Interstate 70 was closed for nearly three hours in the eastbound direction Friday evening after two dozen vehicles crashed in snowy conditions.

Authorities first responded to reports of a multiple vehicles involved in multiple crashes on the interstate just east of the Eisenhower Tunnel around 5:17 p.m. Friday, according to a Friday night news release from Colorado State Patrol.

Altogether, nine vehicles were involved in the first crash, and 15 in the second, according to the release. One passenger was taken to the hospital by ambulance from the first crash with their extent of injuries unknown; there were no reports of injuries from the second crash.

Snow began to fall in the Silverthorne area around 4:30 p.m. Friday and continued throughout the night, according to the National Weather Service Boulder. An official with the service said Saturday that satellite data indicated that about 4 to 6 inches fell in the area in total.

The pileups closed I-70 in the eastbound direction between the U.S. 6 exit and Silver Plume for about 2 hours and 45 minutes while crews cleaned up the scene, according to the release. Authorities also advised drivers to delay their travel until conditions improved.