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6 dead, dozens injured after dust storm causes major pile-up on I-55

Publish Date: 2023, 05, 02

MONTGOMERY CO., Il – Six people were killed and more than 30 others were hospitalized following a pile-up on I-55 involving more than 70 vehicles on Monday morning.

According to ABC 7 Chicago, the incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on a portion of the interstate that extends approximately 20 miles between Divernon and Farmersville.

The Illinois Department of Transportation confirmed a dust storm resulted in a pile-up that involved 40-60 passenger cars, and up to 20 commercial vehicles. The crash initially took place in the northbound lanes of the interstate. Shortly afterward, additional collisions began to occur in the southbound lanes.

“The proper procedure would be to put your hazards on, get on the side of the road and let the dust cloud go, but people kept just driving into it,” said Nathan Cormier, a commuter who stepped in to assist other drivers involved in the crash. “If I hadn’t moved to the left lane, I would have been crushed behind the two red cars behind me.”

In total, six people suffered fatal injuries in the pile-up. The first victim was identified as an 88-year-old woman from Franklin, Wisconsin. The identities of the remaining five victims are being withheld pending further investigation.

At least 30 others, ranging in a age from 2 to 80-years-old, were taken to area hospitals with injuries of various severity.

This stretch of I-55 between Divernon and Farmersville was shut down for about 19 hours while crews worked to clear the scene. All lanes reopened Tuesday morning.

Our team will continue to monitor this developing story. We will provide any additional details via this news blog as they come to light.

If you suffered injuries or the loss of a loved one due to a tragic accident in central Illinois, you deserve compassionate and professional legal representation. The Illinois car accident attorneys at Spiros Law have the knowledge and skills necessary to secure the maximum amount in compensation following a crash. Don’t wait to take action. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation.