SPRINGFIELD – Six persons were killed and many were injured in a traffic crash on Interstate 55 near Milepost 76, north of Farmersville in Montgomery County Monday morning about 10:55 a.m.
All photos provided by the Illinois State Police
The Illinois State Police reports the initial crash happened on northbound Interstate 55 at Milepost 76. At the same time, there were numerous crashes on southbound Interstate 55 at Milepost 76. Eventually approximately 20 commercial motor vehicles and 40 to 60 passenger cars were involved. This includes two truck-tractor semi-trailers that caught fire as a result of the crashes.
At this time, 72 vehicles are reported being involved in the crash. A total of 37 people were transported to area hospitals. Injuries range from minor to life-threatening and ages span from two-years-old to 80-years-old.
Reports show there are six fatalities, all occurring in the northbound lanes. At this time, one decedent has been identified as 88-year-old Shirley Harper of Franklin, Wisc. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office is working diligently to identify the other five individuals and notify their families.
Northbound and southbound lanes remain closed (As of 10 p.m. Monday night). Once the interstate is cleared of all vehicles, the Illinois Department of Transportation will have to inspect the roadway before it is re-opened.
At this time, the ISP said the cause of the crash is due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway leading to zero visibility.
I-55 was shut down in both directions from milepost 63 to milepost 80. Visibility in the area is reported to be low due to blowing dust. Traffic was being urged to seek alternate routes.
This information is still preliminary and the ISP continues to investigate this crash.