Many of the drivers involved in a 29-vehicle pile-up on Highway 30 west of Fremont Monday were retrieving their vehicles Tuesday after being forced to leave them overnight.

High winds and snow are blamed for the chain reaction accident involving 25 vehicles and four semis. The first crash was reported about 3:15 p.m. when a semi jackknifed during white out conditions.

That stretch of the highway remained closed until almost 8 p.m. After the crunching and crashing of vehicles Monday came the pulling, tugging and towing of vehicles Tuesday.

"It's pretty treacherous, I know that it's cold,” said Rusty Johnston of Behlen Towing. "It'll be a chore ‘cause we gotta pull it apart and then a flatbed will take the trailer and I'll take the truck there."

Gail Nielsen's towing company removed 14 vehicles Monday night.

"They're always at risk when they're working on the highway and working in blizzard conditions and everything. We tell them to be extremely careful, always keep a hold of the cable that they're working on so they know where they're at and they can always get back to their truck."

“Yeah, it can get pretty dangerous real fast," agreed Johnston. Although most of the vehicles were removed by Monday night, the rest were hauled away Tuesday morning. Many of them were totaled.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Department said 10 to 15 people were taken to area hospitals. None of the injuries were serious.

Vicki Mefford and her sister were involved in the crash. She is sore, but alright. "Just stiff and bruised, really bruised."

She returned to the scene looking for a set of lost keys. "You could see okay and then it kind of did white out and then that's when, bam, and you could hear the cars and car hitting car."

Vicki's vehicle was more than likely totaled. "We had a Jeep, it's kind of in a V,” she said, gesturing with her hands. She’s thankful everyone was able to walk away and credits the heroes who helped.

"Fremont Hospital and the rescue squad and the fire department were all excellent, excellent care. A man was hurt that was in the ambulance with us, but they said he's doing good. He was one of the truck drivers.”

The victims included first responders trying to help those involved in the accident. "It was white out conditions and it was too late,” said Fremont Fire Department Acting Lt. Todd Coffey.

“By the time we saw the vehicles, went to stop and slid up and hit one of the vehicles and then we were hit in the rear end by two more vehicles coming from behind us."

The ambulance received minor damage and will not be taken out of service.

As the last of the vehicles was hauled away, Vicki realized how lucky everyone involved has been. "Totally amazing. Angels are watching us.”