(Updates with number of fatalities, vehicles involved, transportation from the scene)
CHICAGO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - At least three people were killed and more than 20 injured in multiple crashes involving more than two dozen vehicles Thursday afternoon along an ice-slicked interstate highway in northwest Indiana, officials said.
About 15 tractor-trailers and 15 passenger vehicles crashed in the icy conditions, shutting down eastbound Interstate 94 near Michigan City, Indiana, likely until Friday, Indiana State Police said in a statement.
LaPorte County Coroner John Sullivan described the scene as "grim" during an interview on the Chicago-area ABC TV station.
Hours after the crash firefighters were still trying to extricate one injured person from a vehicle, state police said.
At least seven people were taken to Franciscan St. Anthony Health facility in Michigan City, including three in critical condition, spokeswoman Sarah Jones said.
Six people were in stable condition at Indiana University Health LaPorte Hospital in LaPorte, according to a hospital official.
State police said in their statement that two Michigan City buses were being used to transport injured motorists and passengers to area hospitals and a warming station.
Michigan City is about 58 miles (93 km) east of Chicago. (Reporting by Mary Wisniewski and Brendan O'Brien; Editing by Cynthia Johnston, Gunna Dickson and Eric Walsh)
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