A massive 40-vehicle collision took place late Thursday on a highway in Michigan City, Ind., after a sudden snowstorm created dangerous driving conditions.

The accident, which involved at least 15 semis, left three dead and 20 injured. At least one individual was left critically injured. Due to the whiteout conditions, it was difficult for emergency response to get to those who needed assistance, reports Today.

Witnesses of the collision claimed that the crash could be heard two miles away. The backup of traffic was also reported to be about 15 miles.

According to LA Times, policed stated that city buses were brought to the location of the collision to offer warm refuge to those whose cars were left totaled after the incident and transport the injured to local hospitals.

All eastbound lanes of the highway were closed for the rest of the night so workers could clear the wreckage and investigators could determine how the collision took place. The investigation could take several weeks.