At least 8 dead, over 70 vehicles involved in pileup on I-70
SHERMAN COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) - 7 p.m. update: KDOT has reopened both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 between Goodland and Colby.
I-70 was closed since late afternoon Friday for recovery efforts and cleanup of the fatal pileup that occurred near milepost 28 in Sherman County.
4:45 p.m. update: KHP is now reporting that over 70 vehicles were involved in the pileup.
2:15 p.m. update: At least eight people died in the crash, Trooper Tod with the Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed Saturday afternoon.
KHP set up a phone number for family searching for loved ones who were involved in the crash, which is 785-827-4437.
I-70 remains closed as crews continue to investigate and clean up the crash.
A pileup involving dozens of vehicles resulted in multiple fatalities Friday afternoon and has shut down both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 between Goodland and Colby.
According to Goodland Fire Chief Brian James, Kansas Highway Patrol and about 10 other agencies are still working the scene Saturday after extreme winds led to blowing dust and zero visibility Friday afternoon.
James said over 55 vehicles were involved in the pileup between mile marker 28 and 29, with more than 30 patients taken to nearby hospitals and an unknown number of deaths.
“We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department vehicle with AEMTs in the back, to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol,” James said. “I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save.”
James said Goodland and Brewster firefighters are returning to the crash site Saturday to “cut deceased people out of their vehicles.”
The Thomas County Commission declared a State of Local Emergency in response to the crash. The American Red Cross has established a shelter for those in need.
The shelter is located at Colby Community College (Steve Lampe Athletic Center), 1255 S. Range Ave.
KHP said the stretch of I-70 between Goodland and Colby will remain closed for an extended period of time.
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