Pre-dawn multiple vehicle crash on I80 results in two fatalities

A pre-dawn crash on I80 involving multiple vehicles led to two fatalities Sunday.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, troopers were sent to mile marker 246, just east of the Highway 1/Dodge Street exit at 5:40 am for reports of a crash. A preliminary investigation indicates that because of icy conditions, 15 vehicles lost control on the westbound lanes and collided. Nine semi-trucks were involved in the incident.

Officials said that two people were killed, with several others injured.

KCRG TV reports that westbound I-80 was closed for over eight hours; two of the three westbound lanes had been reopened as of 2 pm.

At the time of the crash, fog was freezing on the roadways, causing the icy conditions leading to the multiple-vehicle accidents.

The identities of the fatalities have not been released pending notification of family members. Authorities are still investigating the incident.