Multiple Fatalities Reported In Highway Car Crashes Caused By Dust Storm

Officials in Illinois said on Monday that multiple people were killed after 40 to 60 cars and at least 20 commercial vehicles crashed in a dust storm.

ABC7 Chicago reported that over 30 people were injured and several people were killed from the string of car accidents on I-55.

“I-55 is shut down both south and northbound I-55 from milepost 63 to 80 at this time due to a large crash,” Illinois State Police said in a statement. “Traffic is being diverted onto the frontage road.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) said in a tweet that the crash was “caused by a dust storm, which has greatly reduced visibility.”

“I-55 traffic is being detoured via Illinois 104 and Illinois 48 through Taylorville,” IDOT added.

I-55 traffic is being detoured via Illinois 104 and Illinois 48 through Taylorville. We will continue to provide updates as soon as we have them.

— IDOT_Illinois (@IDOT_Illinois) May 1, 2023

“It actually looks like snow almost when I was sending [my kids] videos,” said Karen Leach, who was inside the storm. “And it just it feels like, like the end of the world.”

Rep. Nikki Budzinksi (D-IL) tweeted, “My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more.”

“I’m heartbroken by the devastating reports of fatalities in the crash on I-55 today,” she added. “My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of these individuals and everyone who has been hospitalized with injuries.”

This is a breaking news story; refresh the page for updates.