Snow, crashes close I-40 in Arizona

PHOENIX (AP) - Interstate 40's eastbound lanes from Ash Fork to Williams were shut down on Tuesday afternoon after heavy snow and whiteout conditions triggered several wrecks.

But Arizona Department of Transportation spokeswoman Michele Beggs says crews managed to reopen the westbound lanes after conditions allowed them to clear the lanes and an eastbound section of I-40 was reopened Tuesday night.

However, a section of I-40 from Williams to Flagstaff remained closed due to snow and ice on the roadway.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves said at least 20 vehicles were involved in a chain reaction accident that started when a semi hit two passenger cars.

One car rolled over and landed on its top. There are numerous injuries, but Graves says none are believed to be life threatening.