30-Vehicle Pileup on Indiana Tollway

A significant crash involving 30 vehicles, including at least 10 semi-trucks, occurred on the Indiana Tollway in Elkhart County on Wednesday.

According to the Indiana State Police, the mishaps took place near mile marker 94 on Interstate 80 East, close to the Bristol Toll Plaza.

Troopers communicated to FOX Weather that about ten semi-trucks were part of the wreck.

Sergeant Ted Boehner, a Public Information Officer for the Indiana State Police, indicated that weather conditions played a role in the incident, highlighting that the roads were slippery and visibility was greatly diminished due to blowing and heavy snow.

Initially, all lanes heading eastbound and westbound were shut down while emergency teams tended to the scene. Thankfully, those lanes have since reopened, and traffic is no longer being diverted at the Mishoka and Elkhart East toll plazas.

Interestingly, before this crash, the Indiana Toll Road had already announced a winter traffic ban stretching from LaPorte County to St. Joseph County, triggered by a powerful lake-effect snowstorm affecting the region.

Authorities are advising residents to exercise caution by reducing speed and maintaining alertness when navigating hazardous driving conditions.

A winter storm warning is in effect for Berrien, LaPorte, and St. Joseph counties, while a winter weather warning applies to Cass, Stark, and Marshall counties.

Downwind of Lake Michigan in northwestern Indiana, dangerous snow is expected, with accumulations reaching up to 8 inches in some locations. The FOX Prediction Center forecasts that areas most influenced by the lake could see 12 to 18 inches of snow.