Key takeaways:
- A massive dust storm caused a series of highway collisions on Interstate 55 near Farmersville, resulting in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.
- Six people were confirmed dead, and more than 30 people were hospitalized with injuries from minor to life-threatening.
- The Illinois State Police is currently investigating the incident and providing assistance to the families of those affected.
A massive dust storm in south-central Illinois caused a series of highway collisions on Interstate 55 near Farmersville on Monday, May 1, 2023, resulting in multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries.
Illinois State Police Major Ryan Starrick reported at a news conference that the cause of the crashes was due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway, leading to zero visibility. The collisions involved two big rigs that had caught fire, 28 other commercial vehicles, and as many as 90 cars.
Six people were confirmed dead in the collisions, and more than 30 people, ranging from ages 2 to 80, were hospitalized with injuries from minor to life-threatening. Smoke billowed from the scene of the crash, which shut down the highway for several hours.
The Illinois State Police is currently investigating the incident and will be providing updates as they become available. Major Starrick urged drivers to be extra cautious when driving in windy conditions, as visibility can be greatly reduced.
The families of those affected by the crash have been notified, and the Illinois State Police is providing assistance to them. The police department also expressed their condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
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