Elridge, OK — A multi-vehicle collision involving at least one semi-truck and several passenger vehicles caused major traffic delays on Route 66 Tuesday morning, snarling commuter traffic for hours and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
The accident occurred just after 6:45 a.m. on the eastbound lanes near mile marker 172, a stretch of Route 66 just west of Elridge known for its narrow shoulders and merging traffic from industrial exits. Authorities say a dense patch of morning fog may have contributed to reduced visibility in the area, triggering the chain-reaction crash.
According to Oklahoma State Police, the pileup involved an 18-wheeler, four passenger vehicles, and a delivery van. Witnesses reported hearing the screech of brakes followed by a loud impact as the tractor-trailer collided with slowing traffic ahead.
“The semi failed to stop in time and struck the last vehicle in the line, pushing it into the others,” said Sgt. Lane Richardson of the Elridge Police Department. “It’s fortunate that the situation didn’t result in any fatalities, given the number of vehicles involved.”
Paramedics transported three individuals to nearby Elridge General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Another four were treated on the scene for minor cuts and bruises.
The truck, which was hauling produce from New Mexico to Missouri, suffered front-end damage and leaked a small amount of diesel onto the roadway, requiring Hazmat cleanup. Officials said the driver is cooperating with the investigation, and toxicology reports are pending as per protocol.< 66 were closed for nearly five hours as crews worked to remove the wrecked vehicles, clear debris, and clean up fuel residue. Westbound traffic was also affected due to rubbernecking delays.
Tuesday’s pileup is the latest in a series of recent trucking incidents on Oklahoma roadways. Legal experts note that accidents involving commercial vehicles often require special attention due to the complexity of liability, insurance coverage, and federal transportation regulations. For injured parties, contacting an 18 wheeler accident lawyer can be an important step in securing compensation and navigating legal hurdles following such collisions.
State troopers have not yet issued any citations, but the incident remains under investigation. Authorities say drivers should remain especially cautious during early-morning hours when road conditions can change rapidly.
Local officials in Elridge are now discussing the possibility of adding digital warning signs and updated lane markings in the crash-prone zone of Route 66 to help prevent future accidents.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation expects full traffic flow to resume by early Wednesday, but motorists are advised to seek alternate routes during continued cleanup efforts.
