The southbound lane of Interstate 29 near Platte City, MO, remained closed early this morning as workers cleared the remains of a fiery 24-vehicle pileup that killed 10 after a tractor-trailer jackknifed on the icy interstate.

In addition to the 10 killed, another 42 people were injured. One of the tractor-trailers involved in the crash, wedged between two other trucks and several cars, caught fire on impact. It took more than an hour to contain the blaze.
Sgt. Jack McMillan of the Missouri Highway Patrol told the Associated Press that in 33 years on the patrol, this was the worst accident he had ever witnessed. Nine of the victims were burned beyond recognition.
The ice snow that began falling at midday yesterday surprised drivers, who had expected only a light dusting of snow. At least 50 accidents involving 100 vehicles were reported from 1 to 3 p.m. on that stretch of I-29 from Kansas City to St. Joseph.