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Whiteout Conditions From Snow Squalls Blamed For Deadly 30-Car Pileup On Interstate 80 In Pennsylvania

NEW COLUMBIA, Pa. (CBS/AP) — Whiteout conditions from snow squalls are being blamed for a deadly 30-care pileup on Interstate 80 in Union County, Pennsylvania. Two people were killed and dozens were injured in the multi-vehicle wreck.

I-80 snow squall crash
(credit: CBS3)

Many of the vehicles involved were tractor-trailers.

The crash was reported at about 1 p.m. Wednesday on I-80 in White Deer Township as blinding snow made the highway slick. state transportation officials said.

Union County's coroner confirmed a fatality and the Montour County coroner said a second person died at a hospital. No names have been released.

Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg reported receiving 37 patients. At least three were transferred to other facilities. Another 21 people who weren't patients were housed at the hospital and a family center was set up at a hotel.

Geisinger Medical Center said it had received nine patients, including three from other facilities, but no conditions were immediately available.

The interstate was closed for 34 miles in both directions until eastbound lanes reopened five hours later. Westbound traffic was being detoured along I-180 and Route 220.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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