DOTHAN, Ala. — Hundreds of drivers found themselves stranded for several hours Tuesday afternoon in Dale County after a semi-truck crash during a historic winter storm. The incident, which occurred along Highway 231 near the intersection of Highway 51 in the Rocky Head Community, caused significant traffic backups and prompted emergency response teams to spring into action.
According to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, the crash was triggered when an 18-wheeler hydroplaned on a hill and jackknifed. The resulting chain reaction led to multiple semi-trucks and cars losing control and skidding across the icy road. Sheriff Bynum confirmed that while the situation was dire, no injuries were reported.
The initial traffic jam involved around 40 drivers, but as more motorists continued to travel down Highway 231, the backup quickly grew to around 200 stranded individuals. Sheriff Bynum stated that 99% of the abandoned vehicles had been cleared by late Tuesday, though state, county, and federal roads remained impassable.
For those stuck overnight, law enforcement deputies worked tirelessly to ensure their safety, keeping a close watch on stranded drivers throughout the night. Fortunately, most vehicles had heat, providing some comfort as the storm continued to blanket the area. In some cases, deputies helped drivers return home, while others were taken to a warming shelter in Ozark.
The National Guard was called in to assist with the removal of the semi-trucks and crashed vehicles, working alongside state and local agencies to clear the roadways. Authorities issued warnings about the treacherous road conditions, advising drivers to avoid traveling on the icy and snow-covered routes until further notice.
Despite the challenges, local officials were optimistic that the situation would be resolved quickly, as crews continued to work around the clock to restore normalcy to the area.
