North Platte, Neb - A fatal multi-vehicle accident occurred on Friday afternoon, leading to the closure of Interstate 80 near North Platte for nearly 7 hours. The accident, caused by winter driving conditions, claimed the lives of two individuals, as confirmed by Nebraska State Patrol's Cody Thomas.

The exact identities of the victims have not yet been released. However, according to scanner traffic, several others involved in the collision were transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte for medical treatment.

Throughout the afternoon, multiple accidents were reported in the vicinity, further highlighting the dangers posed by the adverse weather conditions. Consequently, a snow emergency was declared for North Platte, starting Friday evening and extending into Saturday. This measure aims to facilitate the timely and efficient cleanup of the snow-covered streets by city crews.

Authorities are urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution while navigating the roads, particularly during inclement weather. It is vital to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and be prepared for unexpected situations.

The reopening of Interstate 80 near North Platte occurred just before 9 pm on Friday evening, marking an end to the road closure that had caused significant disruption to traffic flow in the area.

As investigations into the accident continue, it serves as a tragic reminder of the inherent risks associated with winter driving conditions. The community of North Platte and its surrounding areas mourn the loss of those involved in this devastating incident, expressing their condolences to the families affected.

It is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and adhere to any instructions or alerts issued by local authorities during snowy weather conditions.