Elkhart County, Indiana – A massive multi-vehicle crash involving around 30 vehicles, including at least 10 semi trucks, temporarily shut down portions of the Indiana Toll Road on Wednesday as hazardous winter weather battered the region.
Series of Crashes Reported Near Bristol Toll Plaza
According to Indiana State Police, the incident occurred near mile marker 94 on Interstate 80 East, close to the Bristol Toll Plaza. Troopers said the pile-up involved a series of crashes rather than a single impact, with commercial trucks making up a significant portion of the vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed that at least 10 semi trucks were part of the collision, which led to major traffic disruptions in Elkhart County during the storm.
Slick Roads and Poor Visibility Blamed
Sgt. Ted Bohner, public information officer for Indiana State Police, said weather conditions played a major role in the crash.
Roads were slick, and visibility was severely reduced due to blowing snow and heavy snowfall, creating dangerous driving conditions for both passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks.
Toll Road Temporarily Shut Down
Emergency responders initially closed all eastbound and westbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road as crews worked to manage the scene and clear damaged vehicles.
The Indiana Toll Road later confirmed that lanes have since reopened and that traffic is no longer being diverted at the Mishawaka Toll Plaza and Elkhart East Toll Plaza.
Winter Weather Ban and Ongoing Storm Conditions
The crash occurred just one day after the Indiana Toll Road issued a winter weather driving ban stretching from La Porte County to St. Joseph County, as a powerful lake-effect snowstorm continued to intensify across northern Indiana.
Drivers were urged to use extreme caution, reduce speeds, and remain alert when traveling during hazardous conditions.
Warnings Issued Across Northern Indiana
At the time of the crash, Winter Storm Warnings were in effect for Berrien, La Porte, and St. Joseph counties, while Winter Weather Advisories covered Cass, Starke, and Marshall counties.
Forecasters warned that lake-effect snow developing downwind of Lake Michigan could result in up to 8 inches of snow in some areas, with localized totals potentially much higher.
Heavy Snowfall Expected to Continue
According to FOX Weather, hazardous snow bands are expected to persist in northwest Indiana. The FOX Forecast Center predicts 12 to 18 inches of snow could fall in areas where lake-effect bands remain stationary for extended periods, increasing the risk of additional accidents.
Drivers across the region are advised to monitor weather updates closely and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
