Poor visibility and road conditions caused multiple collisions on highways in southern Manitoba Monday, RCMP say, while other roads were closed.
A chain-reaction collision at St. Francois Xavier saw about 10 vehicles, including several semi-trailer trucks, pile up in poor visibility, RCMP said.
No serious injuries were reported.
Three semis were involved in a similar collision on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Provincial Road 332.
The eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway were closed during the lunch hour about five kilometres east of the Perimeter Highway because of another crash.
And at about 10 a.m., two semis hit road closure barricades at the Headlingley weight scales. A marked police vehicle with lights on to warn traffic of the closure was damaged by flying debris, but the officer wasn’t hurt. RCMP said they’re investigating the incident.
RCMP also received many reports of vehicles in ditches.
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The Trans-Canada was just one of several highways closed due to the winter storm, which was creating whiteout conditions in many places and piling snow on sometimes icy roads.
RCMP closed the Trans-Canada from Headingley to Portage la Prairie, Highway 75 from St. Norbert to the U.S. border, Highway 16 from Highway 50 to Provincial Road 466, and Highway 5 from Neepawa to Ste. Rose du Lac.
U.S. Highway 129, which runs from the U.S. border to Grand Forks, was also closed.
RCMP reported poor driving conditions on highways 3, 12, 15, 44, 59 and 310.
Conditions on those highways included ice, drifting and blowing snow and poor or zero visibility.
The Manitoba road report showed poor to zero visibility and snow-covered and icy areas across the province.
Richardson International Airport officials said air travel may also be disrupted and passengers should check with airlines before catching a flight.
RCMP asked people to refrain from unnecessary travel on highways. Those who do venture out in their vehicles are asked to use caution and reduce their speed, especially when driving past emergency personnel and tow-truck operators.
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