Lubbock County, TX – 1 dead, 17 injured during dust storm
LUBBOCK COUNTY, TX (KCBD) –
One person was killed and 17 were injured in several multiple car pileups on I-27 Wednesday afternoon, according to DPS Corporal John Gonzalez. 63 year old Leslie Carrier, of Fort Collins, Colorado, died when the vehicle he was in hit the back of a tractor trailer. At least 23 cars and 2 semi trucks were involved in the low-visibility accidents.
12 of the accident victims were taken to UMC, 10 of them had minor injuries and two were moderate. Five people were taken I-27 as well. Everyone was expected to be released overnight.
For the first time ever, UMC set up a mobile triage unit on the side of I-27 for accident victims. Staff members were able to treat patients immediately and release them or take them to the hospital for further treatment.
The Texas Department of Transportation strongly discouraged any travel along the I-27 corridor between Lubbock and Amarillo due to extremely dangerous conditions.
Strong winds producing blowing dust created near zero visibility conditions across areas of the entire South Plains area. Motorists were urged to drive to conditions and with caution.
Additionally, the southbound Marsha Sharp Freeway direct connect to South Loop 289 was closed to truck (high profile vehicles) traffic only. These types of vehicles were to find an alternate route around the area.
Due to downed power lines and other damage caused by today’s high winds, LP&L is reporting widespread power outages across Lubbock. Also, about 1,000 people are reportedly without power in Levelland.