Dozens of people were injured in a traffic crash in southern Wisconsin Friday amid snowy weather.
The accident involving approximately 85 vehicles blocked Interstate 39/90 for hours, according to authorities.
Wisconsin State Patrol officials said snow, ice and fading conditions had been factors.
According to WIFR-TV, Beloit Memorial Hospital said at least 27 people were treated for injuries sustained in the crash.
DANGEROUSLY COLD WEATHER FORECAST ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND NORTHERN US
People carry their belongings as they walk away as emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash on the north and south lanes of Interstate 39/90 just north of the East Creek Road overpass on Friday, January 27, 2023 , in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)
The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time in Rock County between Janesville and Beloit, and officers discovered the interstate highway was blocked in both directions.
Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash in the north and south lanes of Interstate 39/90 on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)
The initial investigation indicated that 85 vehicles were involved. One death was reported in an unrelated crash.
Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash on the north and south lanes of Interstate 39/90, just north of the East Creek Road overpass, Friday, January 27, 2023, in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)
STORM CHHENESO BREAKS IN MADAGASCAR, MORE FLOODS TO COME
Traffic was diverted onto frontage roads and southbound lanes reopened shortly after 8 p.m., according to a State Patrol Twitter post. All lanes of I-39/90 were open in both directions as of 9:45 p.m.
Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash in the north and south lanes of Interstate 39/90 on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)
Separately, officials said another multi-vehicle crash around 1:30 p.m. blocked northbound Interstate 41, with the same conditions also being factors. Those lanes reopened shortly after 7:30 p.m.
Emergency crews respond to a multi-vehicle crash in the north and south lanes of Interstate 39/90 on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Turtle, Wisconsin.
(Anthony Wahl/The Janesville Gazette via AP)
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More snow was expected in the region on Saturday.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
