A multi-car pile up occurred on an icy 
and curved bridge deck on the I-494  
interchange in the south metro 
of the Twin Cities in December,  
2021. The incident appeared to be precipitated 
by a 2 vehicle crash, partially blocking the lane  
with both vehicles ending up at a 
full stop on a low visibility curve.
Some traffic arriving to the scene also came to a 
full stop next to the crashed cars. This action of  
coming to a full stop further limited the options 
of traffic coming up behind them. A Google street  
view demonstrates the low visibility from both 
the incline and curve of the bridge interchange.
DOT trucks were out and active, but as this 
video can attest, sometimes the trucks are  
delayed by traffic issues, like cars 
crashing into them or their blades.
A similar video, also from December 2021 
demonstrates the risks of being outside the car.  
But it also shows how the individual 
wisely adjusted their strategy  
to be better situated behind the 
shelter of the concrete wall.
We want to end on a positive note, so take a look 
at these drivers - 100% of them! - who diligently  
all moved onto the shoulder to allow a parade of 
emergency vehicles to get access to the scene.