Ten helicopters were requested to the scene and local school buses were needed to transport stranded motorists.
Local law enforcement shut down an Illinois highway on Monday after a dust storm severely reduced visibility and led to a multi-car wreck that resulted in many injuries and multiple fatalities.
Persistent winds coming from the northwest intensified on Monday and contributed to the storm. Local news station KTXS 12 reported that the pileup involved at least 20 cars, but the total number of impacted vehicles was unclear. A blowing cloud of dust eliminated visibility on Interstate 55 in Springfield and led to the crash. Police closed the highway in both directions and urged drivers to seek alternative routes.
Illinois State Police first closed the highway between milepost 63 and 80, but expanded the closure to milepost 52 shortly after. The Weather Channel reported that the pileup was"massive," with winds reaching 35 to 45 miles per hour, roughly half the strength of a Category 1 hurricane. Families were directed to Divernon City Hall for reunification. WAND-TV reporter Caryn Eisert tweeted that 10 helicopters were requested to the scene, and buses were needed to transport stranded motorists. More than 30 people were transported to the hospital, and the highway is expected to remain closed until at least tomorrow afternoon.
Montgomery Co. EMA says 10 helicopters were requested to the scene. Buses from a local school are picking up stranded motorists. I-55 will be shutdown for several hours.
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