A major crash involving 18 vehicles shut down a section of the New York State Thruway for several hours on Monday afternoon near Herkimer.

The accident occurred at approximately 11:23 a.m., when a disabled tractor-trailer in the westbound lanes was struck by another tractor-trailer, triggering a chain reaction that led to multiple collisions. According to State Police Sgt. Jack Keller, the crash involved 15 cars and three tractor-trailers.

Authorities say that whiteout conditions contributed to the accident.

One person sustained injuries and was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica, where they remain in stable condition.

Road Closures and Reopening

At 12:12 p.m., the New York State Thruway Authority announced that all lanes of Interstate 90 between Exits 29A (Little Falls) and 30 (Herkimer) were blocked due to the crash. The roadway reopened just before 4 p.m., according to Albert Moxham, director of Herkimer County Office of Emergency Services.

Herkimer County remains under a snow emergency until 7 p.m. Monday, with a state of emergency prohibiting non-essential travel due to hazardous weather conditions.

Further updates on Thruway conditions are available at thruway.ny.gov/travelers.