Paramedics respond to 100 car pile-up in Berrien County

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Cars being removed from the multiple car pileup at mile marker 27 on I-94 that happened on Sunday. (Photo provided by WSBT viewer Mark Parren)

Emergency crews respond to a multiple car pileup at mile marker 27 on I-94 on Sunday, December 21, 2008. (Photo courtesy Mark Parren)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 21, 2008 at 2:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 22, 2008 at 11:01 AM EST

BERRIEN COUNTY--White-out conditions and icy roads are to blame for a 100 car pile-up on I-94 in Berrien County. It started around noon near the 27 mile-marker, and closed I-94 for hours. That’s near the Niles Road overpass.

One person was killed in the pile-ups. Police are not releasing that person’s name.

Tow truck drivers brought many of the damaged cars to a motel parking lot, just to clear them off the road.

WSBT News talked to some of the drivers involved who said they were driving in whiteout or near whiteout conditions when they realized it was too late to stop.

In all, police say about 80 cars were damaged in the pile-up and another 20 slid into ditches and guardrails trying to avoid it.

Right now, roads across the area are treacherous. Blowing and drifting snow are making it nearly impossible to see what’s in front of you, and by the time you realize you need to stop, the ice on the roads makes it difficult to stop.

Police closed down an 11 mile stretch of I-94, between mile marker 16 and mile marker 27 while they cleared the pile-up.

People involved in the pile-up say it was scary because they didn’t know when it was going to end.

As it gets later and darker, police say the road conditions are only going to get worse.

Michigan State Police are urging all drivers in this area to stay home Sunday night.

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