Chaos ensued on Interstate 495 in Andover yesterday evening when a major crash involving two tractor-trailers and a car closed all northbound lanes and resulted in serious injuries for three individuals. As reported by NBC Boston, the collision took place around 5:40 p.m. near mile marker 95.7, just as the rush hour was winding down.
First responders flocked to the scene where they found a rolled over vehicle and two stationary tractor-trailers, requiring an hour-long total closure of the highway. Traffic snarled for approximately eight miles, and despite the lack of details on the precipitating factors of the pileup, it seemed that the incident brought the evening commute to a grinding halt. The injured were promptly attended to, with the Andover Fire Department noting, "Multiple ambulances have been requested to the scene," as mentioned by Andover News.
The roadway was eventually reopened around 6:40 p.m., but not before creating significant backup during the closure. Authorities urged drivers to find alternative paths through the snarl, suggesting routes such as Route 28 and Route 114, a testament to the gravity of the accident's repercussions on the region's traffic flow.
The Massachusetts State Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, and the conditions of the seriously injured have not been disclosed. The cleanup effort showcased the coordinated response between state police and local fire and rescue units. According to a post from Andover Firefighters Local 1658, "five ambulances were requested to transport multiple patients," as noted by Andover News.
