FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) - Almost two dozen vehicles crashed into one another, blocking the westbound lanes of the Johansen Expressway early Tuesday afternoon.
According to Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks, approximately 23 vehicles created a jumbled mess, with one vehicle hitting the next in a sliding chain reaction.
Troopers say only minor injuries were reported from the incident.
The wall of impacted vehicles took hours to move, and troopers say the expressway's westbound lanes were shut down during that time.
Located near the bridge over Noyes Slough at the west end of the expressway, vehicles slow down to approach the intersection with University Avenue. That's where the pileup began, stretching back multiple car lengths.
A city transit bus company allowed passengers to sit inside the bus to keep warm while troopers investigated the incident. Some passengers were pinned inside their vehicles. AST said the outside temperature at the time was -15ºF.
What caused the first crash in the chain of resulting crashes is still being investigated.
Department of Transportation spokeswoman, Meadow Bailey, said a road crew had laid down sand and gravel shortly before the crash occurred.
UAF PD, UAF FD and Fairbanks PD assisted with traffic control, troopers said.
