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At least 6 dead, more than 30 injured after dust storm causes crashes and shutdown of I-55 near Springfield, police say – Chicago Tribune

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At least six people were killed and more than 30 injured after a dust storm caused pileups from vehicle crashes and a shutdown of Interstate 55 Monday morning, according to Illinois State Police.

State police troopers responded to “numerous crashes” about 11 a.m. Monday on northbound and southbound I-55 within a 2-mile stretch from roughly milepost 76 to 78 in Montgomery County, south of Springfield, state police said. About 30 commercial motor vehicles and 40 to 60 passenger cars were involved in the crashes, according to preliminary information, including two tractor-trailers that caught fire.

First responders work the scene of a crash involving at least 20 cars that shut down a highway in Illinois, Monday, May 1, 2023. Illinois State Police say a windstorm that kicked up clouds of dust in south-central Illinois has led to numerous crashes and multiple fatalities on Interstate 55.

First responders work the scene of a crash involving at least 20 cars that shut down a highway in Illinois, Monday, May 1, 2023. Illinois State Police say a windstorm that kicked up clouds of dust in south-central Illinois has led to numerous crashes and multiple fatalities on Interstate 55. (WICS TV)

Injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening among people ages 2 to 80 years old. The six fatalities all occurred in the northbound lanes. No additional details about the deaths were immediately available.

The crashes were caused by “excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway leading to zero visibility,” state police said.

I-55 is currently shut down in both directions from milepost 63 to milepost 80, according to state police.

Multiple vehicles were involved in a crash on I-55 in Montgomery County, south of Springfield, on May 1, 2023. (Nathan J. Cormier)

“Visibility in the area is reported to be low due to blowing dust,” the agency said in a written statement. “Traffic is urged to seek alternate routes.”

State police are investigating.

Check back for updates.

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