A dust storm caused an apocalyptic scene on I-55 in Illinois as dozens of vehicles were involved in a massive crash.
According to preliminary information from the Illinois State Police, at approximately 10:55 a.m. this morning “excessive winds” picked up dirt from farm fields and blew it across the highway north of Farmersville. This resulted in “zero visibility” conditions and a huge pileup.
Details are limited, but authorities said approximately 20 commercial vehicles were involved as were an additional 40 to 60 passenger vehicles. The crashes sparked a fire and the damage appears extensive.
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Sadly, the incident appears to have had a tragic outcome as the Illinois State Police said they “have reports of more than 30 people being transported to the hospital and multiple fatalities.” It’s possible the final numbers could be higher, but authorities appear to have already conducted an initial vehicle-to-vehicle search.
I-55 is shut down in both directions and authorities urged drivers to seek alternate routes. The State Police also noted the Divernon City Hall is being used as a reunification point for families of those involved in the crash.
Video from the scene shows numerous vehicles in the median as well as countless others that burned in the fire. While some collisions appear to have been relatively minor, others were far more serious and one clip shows three semi cabs smashed into one another.