Portland, USA—Emergency responders arrived at the scene of a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision on Highway 26 early this morning. The wreck involved at least three vehicles and blocked both lanes of the major thoroughfare.

Local authorities confirmed several fatalities shortly after arrival. First responders worked to extricate victims trapped in the mangled metal for hours.

Heavy machinery was brought in to move the wreckage of a commercial semi-truck. The impact scattered debris across several hundred yards of the highway.

State troopers immediately established a wide perimeter. They diverted all incoming traffic to local side roads to prevent further congestion.

Local hospitals received multiple injured individuals by air and ground transport. Officials have not released the total casualty count as families are being notified.

Traffic flow remains stalled for miles in both directions. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes until further notice.

Accident reconstruction teams are currently mapping the site to determine the cause of the impact. The speed of the vehicles involved remains a primary focus of the inquiry.

The highway will stay closed until the investigation concludes and the debris is cleared. Authorities are waiting for specialized cleanup crews to handle hazardous fluids spilled on the roadway.