At least 8 dead after 71-vehicle pileup during dust storm in Kansas

GOODLAND, Kan. (KSNW) — At least eight people are dead after a 71-vehicle pileup on Interstate 70 in Kansas during a dust storm on Friday.

It took coordinated efforts from nearly every surrounding town and county more than 24 hours to reopen the highway in both directions between Colby and Goodland, about 20 miles from the Colorado border.

Sunday morning.

A phone line dedicated to the family and loved ones of victims has been opened. It’s a priority number, meant to answer their questions as quickly as possible. If you are a family member or loved one and have questions, dial 785-827-4437.

Nationwide, at least 35 people died this weekend as a massive storm swept across the U.S. As of Sunday afternoon, the death tolls had reached three in Alabama, 12 in Missouri, six in Mississippi, and three in Arkansas — all states that were battered by tornadoes. Three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, Texas, authorities said.