By the time emergency services arrived, the highway had become a disaster zone. The trailer had jackknifed across all three lanes, completely blocking northbound traffic. Drivers trapped in their cars screamed for help as smoke and dust filled the air. Some survivors managed to crawl free, disoriented and bloodied, while others could only watch in shock as flames began to lick the twisted remains of vehicles nearby.
Rescue workers raced against time to save anyone they could. Firefighters cut through mangled doors with hydraulic tools while paramedics worked to stabilize the injured on the roadside. Local hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, with ambulances ferrying victims for hours after the crash. Despite their efforts, the death toll climbed steadily as bodies were recovered from the scene.
