UPDATE: Multiple Large Accidents on I-44 Cause Fatalities

BRANSON MO NEWS:

MARSHFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Transportation reports Interstate 44 has reopened following an earlier traffic crash involving multiple vehicles that had closed both eastbound lanes of I-44 east of Marshfield at Mile Marker 106. Interstate 44 had been closed eastbound since Sunday afternoon for emergency crews to clean up the crash site, and allow MoDOT crews to plow and treat I-44.Many roads across the region remain covered or partially covered this morning. Previous report: MoDOT Reopens I-44 at 106 MM – After… Several multiple-car accidents brought traffic to a stop at several locations along I-44 Sunday. The Highway Patrol confirms two deaths – one in a multi-car crash in Laclede County near Sleeper, Missouri – the other in a multi-car pile-up at the 106 mile marker in Marshfield. A portion of the interstate between Marshfield and Conway is expected to be closed until about 6am Monday.Mile Marker 106An accident Sunday involved between 50 and 100 vehicles, according to a trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The icy road conditions are attributed to the cause of this accident and many others along I-44.At least 20 people were transported to area hospitals. Those uninjured were taken to an area restaurant, according to Highway Patrol. One person died, although details had not been released as of early Monday.Both eastbound lanes of I-44 between Marshfield and Conway remained closed at 4am Monday. MoDOT said cleanup could take up to 12 hours and may not reopen until 6am Monday. All traffic is being diverted at mile marker 100, according to a MoDOT press release. Detoured traffic will use Route 38 to Route CC, to Conway, then back to I-44 at mile marker 113. MoDOT crews are plowing and treating the detour route.Missouri State Highway Patrol said between 50 and 100 cars were involved in large accidents near mile marker 106 outside Marshfield, …