TERRE HAUTE, IN — A major multi-vehicle crash involving more than 50 vehicles has shut down westbound I-70 just before Terre Haute, Indiana, during a severe winter storm, authorities said Friday.
The pileup, which occurred amid heavy snowfall and icy road conditions, has left multiple people injured and caused extensive traffic disruption across the region.
Weather for Terre Haute, IN:
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, 27°F (-3°C)
Daily Forecast:
- Sunday, November 30: Low: 22°F (-5°C), High: 30°F (-1°C), Description: Cloudy, breezy and cold; storm total snowfall 2-4 cm
- Monday, December 1: Low: 22°F (-5°C), High: 33°F (0°C), Description: Cloudy and cold; a flurry late in the afternoon
- Tuesday, December 2: Low: 17°F (-8°C), High: 29°F (-2°C), Description: Very cold with low clouds
What Happened on I-70 Near Terre Haute
According to Indiana State Police, the crash happened on westbound I-70 near Terre Haute during a period of intense snowfall and rapidly deteriorating road conditions. The incident unfolded just before Terre Haute, where visibility was low and the interstate surface had become slick with ice and packed snow.
Troopers and local emergency crews arrived to find a chaotic scene involving over 50 vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles. The crash completely blocked westbound lanes, forcing authorities to shut down that portion of I-70 while they worked to reach victims, assess injuries, and clear debris.
Multiple injuries have been reported, and several people were transported to nearby hospitals in serious condition. As of now, officials have not released the total number of injured or any fatalities, and the investigation into the exact sequence of the collisions remains ongoing.
Weather, Road Conditions, and Response Efforts
The Terre Haute I-70 crash occurred during a winter system bringing snow, ice, and sub-freezing temperatures to western Indiana. Slick roadways and limited visibility likely played a significant role in the chain-reaction crashes, as drivers struggled to slow down and stop in time once the first collisions began.
Emergency services — including local fire departments, EMS crews, Indiana State Police, and towing and recovery operators — have been working in extremely challenging conditions. First responders are going vehicle by vehicle to check for injured occupants, provide medical care, and safely coordinate transport to area hospitals.
INDOT crews are on scene salting, sanding, and plowing the interstate and surrounding routes, but officials stress that conditions remain hazardous and travel in the area should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Traffic is being diverted to alternate routes, causing significant delays on nearby roads.
Impact on Travelers and Safety Concerns
The westbound I-70 closure near Terre Haute has created long backups and extended travel times for motorists headed toward Illinois and points farther west. Authorities are urging drivers to delay travel plans, use alternate routes well away from the crash zone, and closely monitor traffic and weather updates.
This major interstate pileup underscores the dangers of winter driving, particularly on high-speed corridors like I-70. Law enforcement and transportation officials are reminding drivers to:
- Reduce speed dramatically in snow and ice
- Increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or lane changes
- Stay home if conditions are too dangerous
Motorists already in the area are asked to remain patient, follow detour signs, and yield to emergency and INDOT vehicles working on and around the crash site.
Public Reactions and Community Response
News of the Terre Haute I-70 crash has spread quickly on social media, where travelers are sharing images of backed-up traffic and icy roads, and families are expressing concern for loved ones who may have been traveling through the area. Local community groups are using social platforms to relay information about alternative routes, road closures, and weather updates.
Many residents of Terre Haute and surrounding communities have expressed support and gratitude for first responders working in freezing conditions to rescue and assist victims. Others are using the incident as a reminder to take winter weather alerts seriously and to prepare vehicles with emergency supplies such as blankets, water, chargers, and first-aid kits.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Indiana State Police remain the lead agency investigating the I-70 pileup near Terre Haute. Crash reconstruction teams are working to determine how the collision began and what factors — including weather, speed, visibility, and driver behavior — contributed to the scale of the incident.
INDOT officials have not yet provided an estimate for when westbound I-70 will fully reopen, noting that clearing more than 50 vehicles, including potentially damaged semis, will take considerable time. Once the roadway is cleared, it will need to be inspected and treated for lingering ice and debris before traffic can safely resume.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact Indiana State Police to assist in the investigation.
Drivers planning to travel near Terre Haute or across western Indiana are strongly encouraged to check the latest road and weather updates before departing, and to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve and the interstate is fully reopened.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
