On Monday late morning, very strong winds and a farmer in the fields created a massive dust storm obscuring vision for drivers on I-55 about ten miles south of Springfield. Over 100 vehicles piled up in both directions creating a large mass casualty incident in a rural part of the state.
Two semis caught fire, including a tanker truck. At least six people are dead. Dozens more were transported to area hospitals.
Massive pileup on I-55 south of Springfield, Illinois has closed the interstate for nearly 30 miles. Blowing dust off freshly plowed fields led to very low visibility#ilwx
— Nick Hausen (@NickHausenWx) May 1, 2023
🎥: Nathan Cormier pic.twitter.com/im7QLE8BTp
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this crash as well as their families and friends.
“This is like 1930’s dust bowl.”
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) May 1, 2023
A dust storm caused a major crash on I-55 south of Springfield, Illinois earlier Monday. Truck driver Nathan Cormier joined FOX Weather to recount his experience during the pile-up. #ILwx @IanOliverWX pic.twitter.com/nWDW353IH6
At a press conference, State Police didn’t even know how many vehicles were involved. They estimated 30 commercial vehicles and 60-90 passenger vehicles. And from what the ISP spokeman said, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see the death toll go higher.
Sad news indeed. Very sad.