On the Astana-Shchuchinsk highway between the villages of Kogam and Karatal in Kazakhstan, nearly 100 vehicles collided due to fog and severe weather.

According to preliminary information, the highway was closed at 7:00 a.m. due to worsening weather conditions. Around noon, police and specialized equipment arrived to assist stranded drivers. The convoy headed toward Shchuchinsk, but an hour later, a collision occurred.

Initial reports suggest that one of the drivers exceeded the speed limit, triggering a "domino effect" crash. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that 48 rescuers and 16 units of specialized equipment are working at the scene.

Vehicle evacuation is underway, and heating stations have been set up for drivers. Two people have been hospitalized. The massive accident caused a multi-kilometer traffic jam. The highway remained closed until 8:00 p.m. Additionally, 11 roads across six regions of Kazakhstan were closed due to the sudden worsening of weather conditions.

ORIENT news