Dramatic videos show scenes from the massive crash and pileup in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 11. You can watch them throughout this article. In particular, one video captured the moment that a FedEx truck appears to have ignited the massive fatal crash.
Here’s that video. It shows the FedEx truck losing control before it careens into a median, starting the chain reaction. “LOOK: the moment of impact causing the deadly crash in Fort Worth,” wrote KETK-TV anchor Cynthia McLaughlin on Twitter.
LOOK: the moment of impact causing the deadly crash in Fort Worth 😢
1-35 CRASH 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #trending #explore #fortworth
A Fort Worth police spokesman said in a news conference, “I would like to ask everyone to keep in your prayers the family members of the loved ones that have lost their lives in these tragic accidents. So far we have at least five fatalities confirmed in this massive accident pileup.”
Horrible fatal crash in Fort Worth, Texas. A view from a TV helicopter shows the 70 car & truck pile up. Five people are dead. 36 others injured. The roads were icy when this happened. Video: @NBCDFW #BreakingNews #FortWorth
Here’s what you need to know:
Police Were Working to Get People to Safety & Reunite Families
11:35 AM. What we know about the crash on I35W in Fort Worth:
-At least 100 vehicles involved
-At least five people died, dozens of others are injured & in the hospital
-Rescues are ongoing, crews are worried about hypothermia & buses have been brought in to keep survivors warm
The police spokesman said the scene was still very active around 10:30 a.m. Detectives were working “step by step, the whole scene, in order to make sure anyone still on scene gets to a safe point or safe place.”
He said they are working to reunite “some of the passengers and drivers with their families. We ask everyone please stay away from this area, I35. Seek other routes. … People keep in mind the weather is still very aggressive so keep your distance, slow down, and always wear your seat belt.”
He said it was an ongoing and “very active” scene.
This video also captured part of the crash. It shows semi trucks careening into other vehicles.
“All North bound lanes of NB I35 Toll Express and regular lanes are closed at this time due to a major accident due to weather. Expect lengthy delays,” police wrote.
Other videos captured first responders at the scene.
“MCI alert. 1601 N Freeway. Multiple vehicles involved. Multiple people trapped. More details to follow,” Fort Worth Fire Department tweeted.
More Than 100 Vehicles Were Involved in the Massive Crash
According to CNN, the wreck involved 70 to 100 vehicles. The network reported that bad weather causing freezing rain was believed to be a factor in the pileup. CBS local reported that more than 100 vehicles were involved.
“10:15AM Update: At 6:15AM, @FortWorthFire, @fortworthpd & @MedStarEMSInfo responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-35W that is an MCI. We are working closely with these agencies & @CityofFortWorth to ensure all needs are met regarding resources & personnel. Updates will follow,” the Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management wrote.
“I35 is backed up in both directions from I30 to 820. Seek alternate route,” Fort Worth police tweeted. “We are going vehicle by vehicle by vehicle to make sure that anybody that is still trapped in the vehicles has been extricated if possible,” Fort Worth fire spokesman Mike Drivdahl told CNN.
The Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management gave out family reunification information. CBS local reported that at least 36 people were taken to area hospitals.
Preliminary information on MCI in Fort Worth. More info will be released later. At least 100 vehicles involved, 5 fatalities, 36 transported to local hospitals. #yourFWFD continues to work the incident and will be on scene for several hours.
By mid-afternoon, the Forth Worth Fire Department tweeted that at least 100 vehicles were involved, 36 people were taken to hospitals and five people died in the pileup.
First responders were having a difficult time navigating the slippery conditions, according to CBS local.
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