4 people hurt in 18-vehicle pileup

Wildfires cause low visibility causing crash

Amarillo — The Associated Press is reporting; authorities say four motorists have been hurt in an 18-vehicle pileup during smoky conditions from grass fires in the Texas Panhandle.

Department of Public Safety Trooper Gabriel Medrano said Friday the crashes near Amarillo happened during low visibility from several grass fires.

Medrano says a vehicle apparently blew a tire, sparking the fires Thursday afternoon along Highway 60. Medrano says the wind sent the smoke across the highway, causing multiple crashes in the eastbound lanes.

Traffic had to be diverted for several hours.