Massive Pileup Shuts Down I-70 Near Illinois–Indiana Border

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the Midwest turned I-70 into a sheet of ice Friday afternoon, triggering a massive multi-vehicle pileup near the Illinois–Indiana border. According to INDOT and Indiana State Police, the crashes began around the 15-mile marker in Vigo County and quickly escalated as visibility dropped and drivers lost control on the snow-covered interstate. Early estimates from troopers on scene reported 20 to 50 vehicles involved, including several semitrucks that jackknifed and blocked the westbound lanes. Emergency responders climbed over wreckage, helped stranded motorists out of their vehicles, and worked to get injured drivers to safety as conditions continued to deteriorate.

The westbound side of I-70 was completely shut down for hours as crews cleared mangled cars, tow trucks worked in rotation, and police urged drivers to avoid the area altogether. INDOT issued multiple alerts warning that cleanup would be slow due to the severity and size of the crash. Photos from the scene show vehicles scattered across the highway, trailers swung sideways, and drivers walking through deep snow waiting for assistance. Authorities say it may take time to determine the exact number of vehicles involved, but confirmed that weather was a major factor. As winter intensifies across the region, officials are reminding motorists to reduce speed, increase following distance, and stay off the roads when conditions deteriorate this quickly.