US

Two children among six people killed in pile-up after dust storm in Montana

Some 21 vehicles lost control in the dust storm that was fuelled by gusts topping 60mph

An official said there was zero visibility for a mile-long stretch during peak summer traffic hour. Photograph: The Billings Gazette via AP
An official said there was zero visibility for a mile-long stretch during peak summer traffic hour. Photograph: The Billings Gazette via AP
Sat Jul 16 2022 - 20:19

Two children are among the six people who were killed in a pile-up after a dust storm caused blackout conditions on Interstate 90 in the US state of Montana.

Montana Highway Patrol Sgt Jay Nelson said investigators so far have found no other factors that contributed to the crash that led to another eight people being taken to hospital.

“Everything is indicative of an isolated extreme weather event,” Sgt Nelson said of the investigation, calling the crash among the worst he had seen in 24 years with the state.

First responders on Interstate 90. Photograph: Amy Lynn Nelson/Billings Gazette/AP
First responders on Interstate 90. Photograph: Amy Lynn Nelson/Billings Gazette/AP

“What could people do? It really was just panic.”

READ MORE

The pile-up took place just west of Hardin, with additional ambulances called in from Billings to help. Interstate 90 is a major road in both Montana and the western US.

The crash was reported around 4.30pm on Friday afternoon (11.30pm BST), as 21 vehicles, including six commercial semi-trucks, lost control in the dust storm that was fuelled by gusts topping 60mph.

First responders work at the scene. Photograph: The Billings Gazette via AP
First responders work at the scene. Photograph: The Billings Gazette via AP

Sgt Nelson said there was zero visibility for a mile-long stretch during a peak summer traffic hour for those commuting home from work or travelling for outdoor recreation.

It took more than six hours to fully reopen the road.

Governor Greg Gianforte said on Twitter: “I’m deeply saddened by the news of a mass casualty crash near Hardin. Please join me in prayer to lift up the victims and their loved ones. We’re grateful to our first responders for their service.”

Hundreds of tractor-trailers, campers and cars were backed up for miles along the two eastbound lanes of the interstate. Photograph: Amy Lynn Nelson/Billings Gazette/AP
Hundreds of tractor-trailers, campers and cars were backed up for miles along the two eastbound lanes of the interstate. Photograph: Amy Lynn Nelson/Billings Gazette/AP

A video from The Billings Gazette showed hundreds of tractor-trailers, campers and cars backed up for miles along the two eastbound lanes of the interstate.

Winds picked up quickly around the time of the crash, according to readings at nearby Big Horn County Airport. A 40mph gust was recorded about 15 minutes before the crash was reported and in less than an hour another burst of wind hit 64mph.

The wind easily picked up dust — a product of recent high temperatures — and reduced visibility to less than quarter of a mile. — AP