NEWS: Blinding Dust Storm Causes Deadly Pileups on Illinois Interstate

A blinding dust storm caused a series of highway collisions that left six people dead and more than 30 hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening on Monday in rural Illinois, authorities said. The collisions involved as many as 90 vehicles on Interstate 55 north of Farmersville, and included separate pileups on the northbound and southbound sides.
Illinois State Police Maj. Ryan Starrick said at an early evening news conference that the cause of the crash was due to excessive winds blowing dirt from farm fields across the highway, leading to zero visibility. Two big rigs that had been on fire, roughly 28 other commercial vehicles, and as many as 60 passenger vehicles were involved in the collisions, according to Starrick.
The first pileup was reported on the northbound side of the interstate, which runs through farm country. Starrick said topsoil and dust from the farms were blown across the roadway, causing the hazardous conditions. He noted that this is not uncommon and has happened before in various parts of the state of Illinois. However, the number of vehicles and casualties was unusual. Subscribe for more content like this.

A Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency official said at the news conference that it was difficult to reach the injured because some vehicles were on fire when first responders arrived. The crash site was spread over roughly one mile, and the Illinois Department of Transportation said the highway would remain closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and the investigation into the collisions is ongoing. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic accident and urged motorists to stay alert and take precautions when driving in hazardous conditions.
Monday’s deadly pileups serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by weather-related hazards on the road, particularly in rural areas where farm fields can exacerbate conditions. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and increase following distance during inclement weather, as well as to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Thanks for watching, subscribe to our channel for authenticity.