In subfreezing temperatures, snowy conditions can quickly spell doom for untreated roads and highways, and that’s precisely what happened on Missouri’s Interstate 70 just east of Kansas City on Friday afternoon. After the snow had been falling at a rate of about an inch per hour since mid-morning, it didn’t take much to trigger a multi-vehicle car crash — with as many as 47 cars involved — that left many injured and at least one person dead.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Samuhel explained why the harrowing conditions were ripe for such a deadly incident.
“In addition to the snow, it was very cold, 10-15 degrees F, while the snow was falling. So, snow was able to immediately accumulate on roadways.” Samuhel added.
“If there was heavy traffic present, it’s not out of the question the traffic caused the snow to melt. Once melted, it would refreeze almost instantly producing icy conditions,” Samuhel said.
Video of the scene was caught from inside a semi truck that pulled over in the middle of the mayhem, which was tweeted by KCTV5 News producer Dante Jones and quickly racked up several million views. “Unbelievable footage from the pileup on I-70 today,” Jones wrote. “My jaw dropped to the floor first time I saw this video.”
Unbelievable footage from the pileup on I-70 today. My jaw dropped to the floor first time I saw this video. pic.twitter.com/kKeauYDlfG
— Dante' Jones (@Dantej21) February 15, 2019
The Missouri State Highway Patrol also shared some images of the deadly crash:
I-49 northbound, north of Peculiar is closed due to a multi-vehicle crash with injuries. #MoWx #KCTraffic pic.twitter.com/kPi3IqCH8v
— MSHP Troop A (@MSHPTrooperA) February 15, 2019
Many were stranded following the 47 car pileup near Oak Grove. Sergeant Charles Hoff utilized our ATV to check on motorists needs throughout the afternoon and evening. Please stay home all weekend if you don’t have to go out! #KCTraffic #MoWx pic.twitter.com/DyQXUL1mU2
— MSHP Troop A (@MSHPTrooperA) February 16, 2019
Others began commenting or sharing the footage of the crash to express their astonishment, or praise the dude filming for ignoring his lady friend and choosing to stay put in the truck:
When she said she needed to get out of there I was like "where you think you're going to go? Out where all those cars are speeding crashing around you?" pic.twitter.com/4CGW9k0Quo
— A Snarky Cat Lady (@ASnarkyCatLady) February 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/Kno/status/1096574781774716929
Per @Dantej21’s corrective tweet, evidently dude’s name is Javon(?). No matter — he is a level-headed lifesaver by any name! 🎯 #stayinthetruckman
— 3GSFN (@sfseen) February 16, 2019
I have been driving in snow since I got my license in Utica and buffalo NY and I am not sure I have ever seen such recklessness in it. This is mind boggling why are they driving so fast or was it that slick?
— PDeSanChief(KC-dynasty ) (NYK-44-30) (NYY – 5-0) (@PDeSanChief) February 15, 2019
She wanted to get out. 😂😂
— Jerome Butcher (@PimpinVanSmack) February 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/benwegmann/status/1096580821799133184
Sucks for the green jeep too. He came to a safe stop and did everything right – then almost got killed twice and still got banged up pretty bad. But I bet he's just thrilled to be alive right now. When things got safe I'd walk over to both those truckers and thank them big time.
— Matt Savino 🇺🇦 (@_MattSavino) February 16, 2019
— Tim (@Teebs313) February 16, 2019
are these people bird boxing
— Jared Ewy (@Jaredewy) February 16, 2019
Another person added video footage from the opposing lane that drives home the full scope of the pileup:
https://twitter.com/cayabadabadoo/status/1096582841972994048
And despite the seriousness of the crash, there was at least one apt AOC joke:
watching republicans come for @AOC https://t.co/VDRtEno7CX
— maura quint (@behindyourback) February 16, 2019
Until the spring thaws the country out, if nothing else this serves as a reminder for everyone to stay safe in wintry conditions.