New York State Police said one person died while another is in critical condition after dozens of vehicles were involved in a pileup on the eastbound Interstate-90 Highway near Buffalo Tuesday afternoon.
Police told NBC News that there were between 15 and 20 separate incidents and the massive crash was likely a chain reaction.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz confirmed the news of the fatality on Twitter.
While around 75 vehicles were reported affected, Poloncarz said 22 vehicles were directly involved.
WATCH: The pileup shut down a portion of the New York State Thruway
There were other reports of injuries, including one in serious condition.
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There was a blizzard warning in effect for Erie County, which includes Buffalo, and it was around -8 C at the time of the pileup.
WATCH: Extreme cold grips much of the U.S.
In a statement from the U.S. National Weather Service sent at 4 p.m. ET, officials said “travel will be very dangerous to impossible, including during the evening commute.”
State police said on Twitter that the I-90 was blocked in both directions around exit 50 for several hours. It has since partially reopened.
“Motorists should expect delays, and are urged to find alternate routes. Poor visibility is expected during the severe weather conditions,” they wrote.
Pictures from the scene show vehicles that have skidded off the road into barriers or other cars.
https://twitter.com/4RacheleM/status/948320152168357893
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