Multiple Fatalities Reported In Highway Car Crashes Caused By Dust Storm

Multiple Fatalities Reported in Massive Car Crash in Illinois

Tragedy struck on Monday in Illinois as a massive car crash involving 40 to 60 cars and at least 20 commercial vehicles occurred in a dust storm. According to ABC7 Chicago, several people were killed and over 30 were injured in the string of accidents on I-55.

Visibility Reduced by Dust Storm

The Illinois State Police released a statement saying, “I-55 is shut down both south and northbound I-55 from milepost 63 to 80 at this time due to a large crash. Traffic is being diverted onto the frontage road.” The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) also confirmed that the crash was caused by a dust storm, which greatly reduced visibility.

Detours in Place

“I-55 traffic is being detoured via Illinois 104 and Illinois 48 through Taylorville,” IDOT added. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi (D-IL) tweeted, “My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more.”

Heartbreaking Reports

One witness, Karen Leach, described the scene as resembling snow and feeling like the end of the world. Rep. Budzinksi expressed her condolences, saying, “I’m heartbroken by the devastating reports of fatalities in the crash on I-55 today. My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of these individuals and everyone who has been hospitalized with injuries.”

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