Early on Monday, dangerous weather with heavy ice and snow led to a major accident involving multiple trucks on Virginia’s Interstate 95 highway. The crash blocked almost the entire highway, causing drivers behind the trucks to come to a halt. Due to slow response times from local authorities in the challenging weather conditions, the traffic jam stretched to a massive 48-mile gridlock that has persisted for nearly a full day.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine shared his ordeal on Twitter, stating, “I started my normal 2-hour drive to DC at 1pm yesterday. 19 hours later, I’m still not near the Capitol.”
Many drivers found themselves stranded in their vehicles, unable to move as snow accumulated around them. With temperatures dropping below freezing after sunset, fears of being stuck for an extended period arose. Local firefighters were able to reach the trapped motorists, providing them with water and blankets for safety.
One trapped driver, Susan Phalen, expressed her frustration, saying, “This is one for the record books. I could have walked there faster.”
“A lot of people in my area are turning off their cars to conserve gas and then turning them back on for some warmth,” Phalen added.
Hundreds of motorists have been stuck in the snow for more than 15 hours along I-95 in Virginia after a crash brought traffic to a halt. People have been posting increasingly desperate messages on social media about running out of fuel, food, and water. https://t.co/ASdw3KaFi7
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 4, 2022
Efforts to clear the blocked road are still underway. Motorists who are in urgent need of rescue are advised to call 911 for immediate assistance.
