A series of crashes on the Indiana Toll Road brought eastbound and westbound traffic to a standstill Monday, Jan. 19, as snow and strong winds created whiteout conditions and icy pavement.

Indiana State Police said dispatchers began receiving calls around 11:15 a.m. about multiple crashes blocking the eastbound lanes near mile marker 67, roughly five miles west of the U.S. 20/31 Bypass exit. Troopers noted that visibility in the area was “severely limited” as snow and wind pushed through the region, making roadways slick.

According to preliminary findings, several eastbound vehicles began to spin out on a bridge near mile marker 67. A pickup towing a trailer attempted to avoid the spinning vehicles but struck the bridge wall, causing its trailer to detach and stop in the travel lanes. That initial crash sparked a chain reaction behind it, ultimately involving dozens of vehicles and bringing eastbound traffic to a halt for miles.

A separate series of multi-vehicle crashes was also reported on the westbound side near mile marker 68, further complicating the response.

Traffic officials diverted eastbound drivers off the Toll Road at Exit 49, while westbound traffic was directed off at Exit 72 as wrecked vehicles were removed and investigations were completed. All lanes reopened at approximately 4:17 p.m.

Authorities confirmed injuries in several of the crashes, though none were considered life-threatening. Injured motorists were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

State Police said additional weather-related crashes continued throughout the afternoon in both St. Joseph and LaPorte counties as hazardous conditions persisted.