Motorcycle crash on I-35W in far North Fort Worth injures 17, authorities say
A serious motorcycle crash in far North Fort Worth has left 17 people injured, including four critically, according to MedStar.
The crash, now considered a mass casualty event, happened just before 8:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-35W near Heritage Trace.
When emergency crews, including the Fort Worth Fire Department, Fort Worth Police and MedStar, arrived at the scene, they saw that about 15 motorcycles were involved and several had caught fire.
Fort Worth Fire said that there were multiple patients, from walking wounded to critically injured, scattered around the roadway.
According to MedStar, 10 ambulances were dispatched. Firefighters also began extinguishing the fires and triaging patients.
In total, officials said 17 people were injured -- 14 of them were transported to hospitals and three were treated at the scene.
MedStar confirmed four people are in critical condition, six are in serious condition, and seven have sustained minor injuries.
"It is reported a chain reaction multi-vehicle accident was caused when the lead vehicle experienced a blowout," Fort Worth Police Lt. Amy Rodriguez said in an email.
The official cause of the crash remains under investigation.
"We extend our thoughts and prayers to all those injured and their families during this difficult time," the Fort Worth Fire Department said in a statement.
CBS News Texas will provide additional details as they become available.
