Interstate 35 in Noble County, Oklahoma Tuesday was closed for hours following a multiple vehicle crash in which at least one person died. Aerial footage showed fires in the rubble of mangled semi trucks and other vehicles. A nearby grass fire burned up to the Interstate and authorities suspect smoke from the fire reduced the visibility that led to the crash.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the highway was completely shut down southbound at mile marker 211 and northbound at mile marker 203.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Matt.
The smoke hazzard was probably visible for miles before the traffic encountered it. Driving too fast for conditions (posted speed limits are often too high for actual conditions) following too closely on an overcrowded highway and inattention were the more likely causes for the crash.
Wildfire smoke, was more likely a “contributing factor.”