Hangzhou, China—A chaotic scene unfolded on a major expressway in Zhejiang today after a multi-vehicle pileup left several dead and dozens of commuters stranded. Authorities confirmed that the driver responsible for the initial impact was detained at the scene. Traffic in both directions came to a complete standstill for hours.

The pileup reportedly began when a heavy transport vehicle veered into oncoming traffic lanes. The resulting chain reaction involved at least ten vehicles, including two commercial buses. Impact forces were high enough to crush smaller sedans trapped between larger trucks.

First responders arrived to find the highway covered in twisted metal and shattered glass. Medical personnel established a triage area on the shoulder to treat the injured before transporting them to regional hospitals. Many victims required extraction from their vehicles using hydraulic cutters.

Police officers redirected traffic to secondary roads, but congestion persisted throughout the afternoon. Officials are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing dashboard footage collected from surviving vehicles. The cause of the driver’s sudden lane change remains under investigation.

State media reported that the detained driver is currently held at a local police facility. Alcohol and fatigue screenings are standard procedure in such incidents. A provincial traffic bureau spokesperson noted that the stretch of road has a history of high-volume freight traffic.

Family members of the victims began gathering at local hospitals as casualty counts were updated. The process of vehicle removal will likely take several more hours as crews clear the debris. The highway remains closed for thorough forensic analysis.

Traffic safety remains a primary concern for provincial authorities during peak travel days. Investigators are looking into whether vehicle maintenance or sudden mechanical failure contributed to the disaster. No formal charges have been filed against the detained driver yet.

Forensic teams are marking skid marks and collecting evidence along the asphalt. The site remains a restricted area while specialized equipment clears the wrecked cars.