MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP) – A massive highway pileup being blamed on whiteout conditions has left at least two people dead and an unknown number injured in northwestern Indiana.

Indiana State Police say they have closed Interstate 94 eastbound and are bringing in cranes and wreckers to help clear the scene. 

The accident occurred Friday afternoon near Michigan City.

LaPorte County Coroner John Sullivan tells NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV in Chicago that the death toll could grow because cars are still under semis and haven't been searched. 

Photos of the scene show at least a dozen tractor-trailers jammed together the width of the highway near an overpass. Some passenger vehicles cars are sandwiched in the wreckage.

The Times of Munster reports school buses are being brought in to keep motorists involved in the crash warm.