Illinois dust storm responsible for ‘multiple fatalities’ after cars pile up in wreckage

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Illinois dust storm responsible for ‘multiple fatalities’ after cars pile up in wreckage

Illinois State Police say between 40 and 60 cars wee involved in the wreckage

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

The Illinois State Police said the initial crash occurred around 11:40 a.m. in Montgomery County, 75 miles north of St. Louis. 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. 

A dust storm caused a massive pile-up on I-55 in South-Central Illinois Monday.  (@gwith99)

Between 40 and 60 passenger cars and tractor-trailers were involved in the crash, Illinois State Police Maj. Ryan Starrick said. More than 30 people were transported to hospitals with injuries. Crashes occurred in both north and southbound lanes. 

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Starrick said there were "multiple fatalities" but did not give an exact number, saying that would be revealed at a later date. 

Divernon City Hall was being used as a reunification post for families of those involved in the crash. Interstate 55 would be closed until late morning or early afternoon Tuesday, Starrick said. 

Cars crashed on the north and southbound lanes, police said.  (Facebook/Nathan Cormier)

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. 

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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 Associated Press contributed to this report.