GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Heavy wind and blowing dirt lead to blackout conditions for a portion of Interstate 80 in central Nebraska Sunday, resulting in a massive pileup.
The crash happened around 5:15 p.m., as high winds kicked up dust from nearby fields, causing zero-visibility conditions.
Nebraska State Patrol says approximately 20 vehicles were involved in the crash that sent 15 people to area hospitals.
One person was taken by helicopter to Bryan Health West Hospital in Lincoln. Eight people were transported to a hospital in Aurora and six were taken to York.
It is unknown at this time how serious any of the injuries are.
The crash impacted both eastbound and westbound lanes and caused the closure between Aurora and Henderson for more than two hours.
I-80 was reopened to both directions of traffic just before 8:00 p.m.
Deputies from the Hall, Hamilton, and York County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as multiple rescue crews assisted in the response and traffic control.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
One trooper in Seward County also reported similar conditions there. He urged drivers to slow down, use caution and always buckle up.
Wind gusts reached around 60 miles per hour in areas on Sunday.
Fifteen hospitalized after blowing dust leads to 20+ car pileup on I-80
Photo Courtesy: Nebraska State Patrol
