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Last updated on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
(DEARBORN CO.) - Two crashes involving approximately 40 vehicles have shut down both sides of Interstate 74 near the Ohio/Indiana border until further notice.
Both crashes happened within the same half-mile around 10:45 a.m. and involved several jackknifed semi tractor-trailers.
As of 1 p.m., Indiana State Police Sgt. Stephen Wheeles said it would be "numerous hours" before the westbound lanes reopened. Emergency and towing vehicles are blocking the eastbound lanes and expected to clear in two hours.
Six people were injured and transported from the scene, according to Wheeles. The injuries are reportedly non-life threatening.
All victims have been removed from the scene and crews are working to tow the vehicles.
"There's actually two crashes, basically in the same location. I'm getting possibly 28 vehicles in the first crash and 12 additional vehicles in the second crash," said Wheeles.
The crashes were likely caused by reduced visibility on top of unfavorable road conditions, officials said. Snow squalls this morning had reduced visibility to near zero in some areas of the Tri-State.
The crash is just inside the Indiana border in Dearborn County, dispatchers said.
Authorities are advising motorists to exit off the highway onto the New Haven Road exit and take U.S. 50 as a detour.
For drivers stuck in the pileup, the American Red Cross is providing coffee, hot chocolate,snacks and blankets.
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