HOPE, AR — (ASP Press release) Arkansas State Troopers and emergency services crews are at the Red River Bridge along I-30 west of Hope this morning searching for one of two individuals who jumped from the bridge earlier today.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. Saturday State Troopers were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash located on the bridge in the eastbound lane at the 18 mile marker.
At least three people were out of their vehicles when a commercial cargo truck began to slide and jack-knife toward the first crash scene.
Two of the individuals jumped from the bridge to avoid being hit by the truck.
One person was rescued from the water and the search for the other has continued through the night and into this morning.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission personnel, along with water rescue units from Miller and Hempstead County are coordinating the search.
Traffic along the bridge has been re-opened.
Elsewhere overnight as heavy snowfall began to accumulate, traffic came to a standstill along several stretches of I-30, I-40 and I-430 in Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke and Clark Counties.
State Troopers are reporting many drivers abandoned their cars.
At one point along I-430 southbound and I-40 west traffic was backed-up and stalled for more than ten miles.
This morning from Johnson County east along I-40 into Lonoke County east of Little Rock, State Troopers continue to be called to vehicles that have slid off the highway.
Slick and hazardous conditions continue to be reported west of Little Rock along Interstate 30.
Troopers are warning residents that unless it is an emergency, travel should be postponed until the accumulated snow and ice along roadways begins to thaw.