CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Wintry weather led to a number of vehicle crashes Wednesday morning in the Chicagoland area, with the worst on the Kennedy Expressway.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, at about 5:45 a.m. authorities received reports of multiple crashes on I-90 near North Avenue. Nearly 60 vehicles were involved in crashes, caused by "low traction on the expressway."
A total of 46 people were evaluated for injuries. Fourteen people have been taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, Chicago fire officials said.
Chicago Fire Department Deputy Chief John Giordano said they are dealing with snow, ice, and the pandemic.
"It's a lot of challenges at once. It really is, so we are asking everyone first and foremost at this time to social distance, obviously, that it our main concern, but we have others jobs to do as well," he said, "as far as fire, accidents, and other things that we respond to every day. So besides from the pandemic that is going on, we are still dealing with every day incidents and this is one of them.
"In this case, we really need to slow down. Obviously the conditions are icy up on the expressways. We need to slow down and take our time."
According to CBS Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation officials said areas on the expressway could be closed for over 2 hours.
Inbound and outbound lanes of the expressway were opened by 8:15 a.m., city officials said, while Illinois State Police reported dozens of additional crashes on Chicago-area expressways that are "covered in sheets of ice."
"Numerous accidents still be reported due to low traction around the city," the fire department said on Twitter. "Do not use Kennedy at this time. Be aware of low traction on all expressways and some surface streets."
Light snow began falling in Chicago after midnight, with a total nighttime accumulation of less than a half inch, according to the National Weather Service.
Along with snow, temperatures dropped into the 20s and 30s overnight, contributing to slick roads and icy conditions, the weather service said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
