Illinois I-55 shutdown after dust storm causes massive pile-up, multiple wrecks

Illinois state authorities shut down a portion of I-55 Monday after a dust storm caused multiple vehicles on the road to crash, creating a pile-up that stretched miles.

Interstate 55 in South-Central Illinois was shut down in both directions Monday after multiple vehicles crashed and piled up amid a dust storm.

The Illinois State Police said the initial crash occurred around 11:40 a.m. in Montgomery County. Authorities shut down I-55 from milepost 52 to 80 in both directions. Traffic was diverted onto the frontage road and motorists were urged to take alternative routes. 

Divernon City Hall was being used as a reunification post for families of those involved in the crash.

The National Weather Service said the combination of newly plowed fields and gusty northwest winds had generated a dust storm in the area, reducing drivers’ visibility. 

TORNADOES STRIKE VIRGINIA AND FLORIDA, FLOODING IN OTHER STATES

Videos and photos shared on social media showed a mangled mess of tractor-trailers piled up on the freeway, with a toxic mix of smoke and dust billowing into the sky as first responders arrived on the scene. 

The number of injuries, potential fatalities, and vehicles involved is not clear at this time. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.  

Data & News supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Stock quotes supplied by Barchart
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.