Big pileup causes I-80 to be blocked near Newton

Blizzard conditions affected travel and caused multiple-vehicle crashes Thursday on Interstate 80 in the eastbound lanes west of Newton.

The crash appeared to involve multiple semis, and several vehicles were in the ditch near mile-marker 163. The area remains closed to traffic as crews work to clear the damaged vehicles.

Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla said at approximately 11:45 a.m. troopers were assisting several multi-vehicle crashes that occurred on I-80 just west of Newton.

“In a matter of minutes, a large scale crash occurred with approximately 40 vehicles involved. At this time, we are still gathering details,” Dinkla said.

Initial reports indicate several drivers sustained injuries in the crash that range from minor to severe. Both state troopers who were involved in the crash were not injured. They had left their vehicles to check on other crash victims. The cars were totaled in the wreckage.

Further details will be updated as more information from the incident is reported.

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said there have been many accidents reported at mile-markers 163 eastbound and 175 westbound, some of which have caused serious injuries.

The Iowa State Patrol and Iowa Department of Transportation is advising people to avoid travel as the blizzard warning remains in effect.