100+ Car Pileup on I-84 in Oregon
A massive pileup clogged I-84 near Portland, Oregon, thanks to snowy conditions. More than 100 vehicles were tangled up in the wreckage.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Westbound I-84 closed near Multnomah Falls, Oregon, after whiteout winter weather conditions led to a pileup of two-dozen vehicles on Thursday.
According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), an SUV caught fire in the pileup that deputies say involved more than 100 cars, trucks, and semi-trucks. The Oregon State Department of Transportation (ODOT) sent out an alert warning drivers that westbound I-84 was closed three miles west of Multnomah Falls due to a crash. Officials urged drivers to use alternate routes and to plan for long delays.
At 11:37 a.m., the Oregon State Department of Transportation (ODOT) issued an alert warning drivers that westbound I-84 is closed three miles west of Multnomah Falls due to a crash. That’s about 25 miles east of Portland.
First responders searched every vehicle that was involved in the pileup near Multnomah Falls. The office had initially said more than 100 cars were involved. The state transportation department later said between 20 and 30 vehicles were involved.
High winds, snow, and ice made it difficult to “assess how many vehicles were involved,” said department spokesperson Ryan McCrary. The Oregon State Police said troopers responded to eight separate crashes and that four people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.
The pileup happened in whiteout conditions in the westbound lanes of Interstate 84, authorities said, noting that an SUV caught fire but its occupants escaped. The sheriff’s office said there were reports of injuries and people being trapped in their vehicles. Oregon State Police spokesperson Kyle Kennedy said in an email that there have been no reported deaths.
Big picture view:
Officials urged drivers to avoid the area, use alternate routes, and plan for long delays.
There are reports of injuries, but deputies did not specify how many. Oregon State Police spokesperson Kyle Kennedy said in an email that there have been no reported deaths.
About nine hours after the closure, ODOT announced that westbound I-84 had reopened between Hood River and Troutdale. However, officials are still urging drivers to postpone travel if possible since severe winter weather will continue through Friday.
“If you must travel, take caution and watch out for stranded vehicles, emergency responders, and road debris,” ODOT wrote in an 8:37 p.m. social media post.
ODOT is encouraging drivers to check the status of their route before traveling through TripCheck.com.
What they’re saying:
Responders are at the scene, with more on the way. Deputies have issued social media alerts saying dozens of vehicles are in the crash area, with several crash sites along westbound I-84 near milepost 28. Some drivers are reportedly stuck inside their vehicles.
“We advise everyone to stay in their vehicles for their safety unless there is a clear or immediate reason not to,” Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said.
Is I-84 near Portland, OR still closed?
About nine hours after the closure, ODOT announced that westbound I-84 had reopened between Hood River and Troutdale. However, officials are still urging drivers to postpone travel if possible since severe winter weather will continue through Friday.
“If you must travel, take caution and watch out for stranded vehicles, emergency responders, and road debris,” ODOT wrote in an 8:37 p.m. social media post.
ODOT is encouraging drivers to check the status of their route before traveling through TripCheck.com.
Portland, Oregon snow today:
What’s next:
Freezing rain and snow contributed to the pileup in Multnomah County, where officials extended a state of emergency through at least Friday and said eight emergency shelters would be open. Officials said 489 people went to the shelters Wednesday night. Wind chill readings could dip to 10 degrees in Portland, the weather service said.
Northwestern Oregon, including Portland, could see up to 3 inches of snow with winds gusting as high as 45 mph, according to the weather service.
In southern Washington state, six people were injured in multiple crashes on Interstate 5 near the Cowlitz River, said state patrol spokesperson Will Finn.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
FAQs:
Q: How many vehicles were involved in the pileup?
A: The Oregon State Department of Transportation initially reported more than 100 vehicles were involved, but later revised the number to between 20 and 30.
Q: What caused the pileup?
A: Whiteout winter weather conditions, including high winds, snow, and ice, contributed to the pileup.
Q: Were there any fatalities or injuries?
A: According to the Oregon State Police, there were no reported fatalities, but four people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. There were reports of injuries and people being trapped in their vehicles.
Q: How long was I-84 closed?
A: I-84 was closed for about nine hours, reopening around 8:37 p.m. on Thursday.
Q: What is the current weather forecast for Portland, Oregon?
A: Northwestern Oregon, including Portland, could see up to 3 inches of snow with winds gusting as high as 45 mph, according to the weather service.
