Freezing Rain Causes Multiple Accidents on Route 128

As soon as temperatures dropped below freezing and ice formed on the roadways, the Peabody Fire Department and State Police were busy dealing with multiple accidents on Route 128 during this morning's commute.

A seven-car crash occurred on Route 128 Southbound near the Lynnfield line around 7:30 p.m. as drivers encountered slick spots and black ice and could not avoid hitting one another from behind in a chain-reaction accident. Two people were transported to Salem Hospital via Atlantic Ambulance to be treated for their injuries.

A short time later, State Police reported a four-car accident on Route 128 Northbound near Exit 44 that also involved slippery roads. Traffic was backed up in both directions of the highway for more than one mile.

Just before 8:30 a.m., State Police reported a single car crash on Route 128 near Centennial Drive that also caused traffic to be backed up.

State Police helped clear the scene of the crashes and the highway was reooened shortly before 9 a.m. State Police reported that no serious injuries occurred, but urged drivers to exercise caution as state Department of Highway sanders continued to salt the highway in both direction.

At the Peabody Fire Department Headquarters on Lowell Street, Fire Chief Steve Pasdon said the department was extremely busy dealing with weather related crashes. But fortunately, Pasdon said none of the accidents, which he described as "just a bunch of fender benders from black ice," resulted in any serious injuries.

The icy road conditions did not delay the opening of Peabody Public Schools after February school vacation. City Department of Public Services crews treated the city's main roadways with sand and salt before the school buses headed out to pick up students.

The sleet and freezing rain that caused the Route 128 crashes this morning soon gave way to steady, driving rain and motorists heading home for the evening commute should not experience any significant problems.