Share and Follow

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the number of vehicles involved in the crash hours after an initial report was released.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Dozens of vehicles, including cars, trucks and semi-trucks, were involved in crashes along Oregon’s Interstate 84 early Thursday afternoon, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office initially estimated that least 100 vehicles had crashed, but Oregon State Police Captain Kyle Kennedy later clarified to Nexstar’s KOIN that roughly 30 to 40 vehicles were involved in multiple small crashes in close proximity to each other.

“Road conditions on I-84 in the affected areas are considered slick, but passable,” ODOT said. “This series of crashes was caused by a combination of high winds blowing snow and drivers traveling too fast for the winter weather conditions in the area.”

The reason why the sheriff’s office initially reported 100 was, according to Kennedy, “what maybe some were seeing when they first arrived. Not total whiteout – but difficult conditions, not being able to see very far – might have contributed to these initial results.”

Vehicles spread across multiple crash scenes blocked the westbound lanes for three miles west between mileposts 28 and 29. During one of the crashes, an SUV caught fire though everyone was able to get out.

“Responders are going car by car,” deputies said. “There are reports of injuries; no number at this time. Whiteout conditions.”

Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation reported that I-84 westbound had been closed from Hood River at Milepost 64 to four miles west of Multnomah Falls at Milepost 27.

The first call reporting an accident came in just before 11 a.m.

Portland and surrounding areas are under a winter storm warning until 10 a.m. PDT Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm could bring 1-3 inches of snow and sleet, along with ice accumulations of a tenth of an inch. Wind is expected to gust up to 35 mph.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” according the NWS warning. “If you must travel, be sure to slow down and allow extra time.”

This is a developing story.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Diane Keaton put her 'dream home' on market as health took sudden turn

Diane Keaton Lists ‘Dream Home’ Amid Health Concerns: A Closer Look at Her Bold Move

Diane Keaton had put her ‘dream home’ on the market as her…
Sprouts recalls pasta salad due to Listeria risk

Sprouts recalls pasta salad due to Listeria risk

​The pasta salad was sold in the “grab and go” and deli…
Gigi Hadid recalls body-shaming after Victoria's Secret runway debut

Gigi Hadid Opens Up About Facing Body Criticism After Her Victoria’s Secret Runway Debut

Gigi Hadid became emotional as she recalled body-shaming comments after she made…
Student devastated after mugshot used for viral fake assault story

Student’s Life Turned Upside Down by Viral Hoax Featuring Mugshot

A Texas college student found herself at the center of unwanted attention…
Diane Keaton's final moments laid bare in chilling 911 call

Chilling 911 Call Reveals Diane Keaton’s Final Moments: An Inside Look

Diane Keaton’s final moments have been revealed in a 911 call as…
The Left's most fervent, and most wrong, attack dog: NY's Rep. Dan Goldman

NY Rep. Dan Goldman: The Left’s Bold Critic and Controversial Advocate

In his renowned essay, Federalist No. 51, James Madison eloquently argued that…
The Latest: No. 3 Indiana climbs to its highest ever Top 25 ranking

The Latest: No. 3 Indiana climbs to its highest ever Top 25 ranking

Indiana climbed to No. 3 in college football’s AP Top 25 poll,…
Mark Sanchez arrested: New details released after former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez stabbed, arrested in Indianapolis

Mark Sanchez stabbed: Former NFL quarterback released from custody week after parking fight arrest, stabbing in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez was released…