Powerful dust storm provoked a massive accident on a highway in Montana: six people died

Six people have died after a dust storm caused by wind gusts reaching 60 miles (96,5 km) per hour created a huge accident on Highway 90 in Montana. Writes about it ABC News.

Photo: Shutterstock

Twenty-one cars were wrecked. According to Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant Jay Nelson, authorities believe bad weather was the reason.

“There was a strong wind that caused a dust storm with zero visibility,” he explained.

While Highway Patrol doesn't have an accurate injury count, Nelson said extra ambulances had to be called in from Billings to help everyone.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the mass casualty crash near Hardin. I pray for the victims and their loved ones. We are grateful to our rescuers for their work.”

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who oversees Highway Patrol, said, “The Montana Highway Patrol is there along with other first responders and is investigating the incident. We will publish additional information as it becomes available."

On the subject: Interesting facts about driving a car in the USA: the experience of an immigrant

The incident took place 3 miles (5 km) west of Hardin. The footage shows hundreds of tractor-trailers, campers and cars reversing along the highway.

The roots of the dust storm, according to Billings National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Wertz, can be traced back several hours, when the storm originated in southern Montana and slowly began to move east.

This storm produced a severe thunderstorm that engulfed Hardin and other parts of Montana on the afternoon of July 15. Meteorologists predicted the possibility of single quarter-sized hail, scattered wind gusts up to 75 mph (121 km/h) and frequent lightning.

The so-called outflow (a gust of wind caused by the storm) was flying southeast about 30 miles (48 km) ahead of the storm itself, Wertz said.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

A wind gust of 40 mph (64 km/h) was recorded at the nearby Big Horn County Airport at 16:15 pm. The accident was reported at 16:28.

At 16:35 the wind gusts increased to 100 km/h, and after another 20 minutes they were 103 km/h.

The wind easily raised the dust, as there had been a huge heat before. Dust reduced visibility to less than 1/4 mile (0,4 km).

Rescuers are currently clearing the wreckage at the scene.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Top 11 most beautiful bodies of water in Florida for kayaking and beach holidays

See all of America: scientists have developed an ideal travel route for the USA

Sports and healthy food: scientists admitted that they were wrong about the main recipe for longevity

One hundred interesting and profitable summer activities for teenagers in the USA

Pizza, pasta and hodgepodge: 10 restaurant dishes that were originally the food of the poor

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.