UPDATE: 50+ vehicle pileup on I-35 Saturday multiple injuries

SLATER, Iowa - Multiple injuries are reported after a multi-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35 on Saturday north of Des Moines.

The crash happened just south of the Slater exit at approximately 10:15 a.m. Police say 50-60 cars were involved, but there is no word yet on the total number of injuries sustained as a result of the pileup. One person was Life Flighted to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; medics were worried about nerve damage to the victim’s broken arm.

No fatalities have been reported, according to WHO TV 13 News.

Part of the interstate was shut down as crews worked to clear the scene, but the road was reopened after about 2 1/2 hours. Police say a blast of winter weather shortly before the crash was likely a factor, in addition to drivers following too closely and traveling too quickly for the road conditions. They plan to begin reviewing traffic camera footage soon to determine the official cause.

This multi-vehicle crash was just 12 miles south of the fatal pileup near Ames 12 days ago.

Photo still shots from Channel 13’s Ben Oldach videos here.