Minnesota saw dozens of vehicular crashes, including in the city of Minneapolis, this week due to a multi-day storm onslaught rampaging throughout the region, leading to widespread traffic disruption and road closures.
Minnesota Fatal Car Crashes
The Minnesota State Patrol stated there were 79 crashes statewide between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., wherein four of the crashes resulted in at least one person killed and several others injured, as cited by CBS News Minnesota.
The Minnesota state agency revealed the details of the killed person named Sean Phillip Stout, a 39-year-old man from Bloomington, and he died during a crash along Highway 62 overnight.
Stout, who was driving a Jeep Wrangler, was heading east on the 62 route near 34th Avenue when he suddenly drifted off the road and struck a bridge before 2 a.m.
Initial report from the local authorities noted that snowy roads were a contributing factor in the crash, as reported by CBS News.
In addition, investigators asserted alcohol was also a factor in the crash, based on their latest report.
Minnesotans were greeted by widespread heavy snow after waking up on Thursday, December 15, and the weather conditions are expected to continue at least until Saturday, December 16, according to local reports.
Road Traffic Chaos
Minnesota authorities warned drivers and commuters in the state on the road traffic chaos amid the multi-day storm onslaught on Thursday.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation said almost all of the state's major roads were either partially or completely covered with snow.
The state transport agency's maps showed at least two dozen crashes in and around Minneapolis alone.
Under the adverse weather conditions, similar incidents are possible to occur in the coming hours or days.
Multi-Day Storm
The Minnesota car crashes occurred due to the said storm moving over the region, affecting the Northern US, Florida, and other adjacent regions.
Previous storms in the US have also led to either a car crash or a multi-vehicular pileup.
Earlier this week, a snow storm injured 22 people in a bus crash as in Utah a winter storm threatened the country with blizzards and tornadoes, according to the Metro UK.
The bus reportedly overturned along Interstate 84 near Tremonton, Utah.
It was supposed to go to Salt Lake City, Utah, after departing from Boise, Idaho.
Weather-Related Crashes
Reports from previous weather-related crashes that poor visibility or slipper road conditions were the main factors for drivers to lose control of their vehicle.
The Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation stated weather affects drivers through visibility impairments from precipitation, high winds, and extreme temperatures, affecting their driving capabilities, vehicle performance, pavement friction, and among others.
The US transportation agency estimated there are over 5.8 million vehicles crashes each year but 21% or nearly 1.2 million of these crashes are weather-related, meaning these accidents may have occurred due to rain, sleet, fog, snow, severe winds, or other debris.
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