20-Car Pileup on I-80 Near Council Bluffs Leaves 2 Injured

Witness describes narrowly escaping the chaotic multi-vehicle crash on the interstate.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A massive pileup involving at least 20 vehicles shut down Interstate 80 near Council Bluffs, Iowa on Thursday evening, resulting in only two minor injuries. The chain-reaction crash began with two semi-trucks near the Highway 6 exit, causing several secondary collisions. A witness, Ayden Long, described the scene as "chaos" as he maneuvered his vehicle onto the shoulder to avoid being hit by a semi-truck "barreling" towards him.

Why it matters

While the outcome could have been much worse given the scale of the crash, the incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness, especially during winter months when road conditions can be treacherous. The crash also serves as a reminder of the risks posed by large commercial vehicles on the highway.

The details

The crash occurred a little after 4 p.m. on Thursday and took approximately eight hours to clear the scene. Iowa State Trooper Ryan DeVault said the two injuries were "very minor". Council Bluffs Police Sgt. Matt Dyer confirmed it was a busy day for tow truck companies, with cars scattered in ditches across Iowa.

  • The crash occurred a little after 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2026.
  • It took approximately eight hours to clear the scene.

The players

Ayden Long

A witness who was leaving work at Iowa Western Community College when he witnessed the crash and narrowly escaped being hit by a semi-truck.

Ryan DeVault

An Iowa State Trooper who said the outcome could have been much worse given the scale of the crash.

Matt Dyer

A Council Bluffs Police Sergeant who confirmed it was a busy day for tow truck companies.

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What they’re saying

“I was getting on the interstate and I watched a couple of cars slidin' down and I watched a semi jack-knife.”

— Ayden Long, Witness (3newsnow.com)

“I look in my rearview mirror. There is a green semi with multiple cars being pushed by it barreling towards me. I hit the gas, got around the semi.”

— Ayden Long, Witness (3newsnow.com)

“We were very fortunate in that, I think there were two injuries that were very minor.”

— Ryan DeVault, Iowa State Trooper (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the crash and ensure the highway is safe for travel.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and caution when driving, especially during the winter months when road conditions can be hazardous. It also highlights the risks posed by large commercial vehicles on the highway and the need for increased safety measures to prevent such multi-vehicle pileups.