Treacherous freezing rain turned the street into a slide within a few moments - and then there was a crash.
On Interstate 35W near Fort Worth (US state Texas), more than 100 vehicles pushed into each other on Thursday. At least six people died. Dozens were injured. Several victims are in mortal danger.
The pictures give an idea of the horror in the heavy rush hour traffic. Trucks literally crushed passenger cars, cars were squashed against each other, and the force of the impact caused them to lie on top of each other.
According to the local broadcaster WFAA, the rubble field extends over a total of around 2.5 kilometers.
According to the fire department, several people were locked in their vehicles. Rescue workers reported problems fighting their way through the rubble to trapped people.
At least 65 people were treated in the hospital, including several critical injuries, a spokesman said.
Helpers fell on the slippery road. Even an ambulance had an accident, and the crew got away with the horror.
Helpers worried that people waiting for rescue in their cars threatened hypothermia after hours in sub-zero temperatures. A collection center has been set up nearby for families.
The pile-up occurred around 6 a.m. in the morning. The trigger was freezing rain and snow. Police urged drivers to be cautious in the face of persistent dangerous weather conditions.
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