Authorities have closed a portion of Interstate 10 northwest of Tucson, after a dust storm led to a multi-vehicle pileup that has left at least one person dead.

Both directions of the interstate have been shut down as emergency crews tend to injured motorists at the scene. Visibility has been cut to zero because of intense dust blowing in the area.

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Pinal County Sheriff's Office spokesman Elias Johnson said deputies are assisting Department of Public Safety officers in two separate incidents along westbound I-10.

According to Johnson, 20 vehicles were involved in a pileup at mile marker 213, and another 30 vehicles were involved in a second massive wreck further east at mile marker 219.

DPS spokesman Bart Graves said serious to fatal injuries have been reported in the collisions, which involve both commercial and passenger vehicles.

Pima County and Marana police departments have also responded to the scene to assist in road closures and detours around the affected area.

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