At least two people were killed in an estimated 100-vehicle pileup that forced the closure of Interstate 10 in Southeast Texas Thursday, officials said. Dozens were injured.

The collision happened around 8 a.m. on I-10 near Beaumont, about 80 miles east of Houston.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said at least 100 cars and trucks crashed in extremely dense fog.

Several big rigs and a charter bus were involved in the collision.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the injured were taken to hospitals between Baytown, Port Arthur and Beaumont.

Investigators say there are three "pods" of accidents. One has been cleared, but two others are still active.

Interstate 10 was shut down in both directions for hours. The westbound lanes reopened at 12:30 p.m. When traveling eastbound, motorists are advised to use Highway 124 and Highway 73 in Winnie to avoid the traffic build up.

The eastbound lanes are expected to be closed for 8 to 10 hours.

Images: 100-car pileup in Beaumont

Published On: Nov 22 2012 02:35:01 PM CST   Updated On: Nov 23 2012 01:52:07 AM CST

• Small Text
• Medium Text
• Large Text

• Print
• Email

• Tweet
• 

Two people died and more than 80 people were hurt Thursday when at least 100 vehicles collided in Southeast Texas in a pileup that left trucks twisted on top of each other and authorities rushing to pull survivors from the wreckage.