Officials in Illinois reported many deaths on Monday when a dust storm forced 40-60 vehicles, including 20 commercial trucks, to crash.
More than 30 people were injured and many were killed in a series of automobile accidents on I-55, according to ABC7 Chicago.
I-55 is stopped between mileposts 63 and 80 due to a major collision, according to the Illinois State Police. “Traffic is being redirected via the frontage road.”
The accident, according to a tweet from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), was “caused by a dust storm, which has greatly reduced visibility.”
IDOT has announced that Illinois State Routes 104 and 48 would be used to redirect I-55 traffic through Taylorville.
Storm-chaser Karen Leach said, “It almost looks like snow when I sent videos to my kids.” Adding, “And it just feels like, like the end of the world.”
Rep. Nikki Budzinksi (D-IL) tweeted, “My team and I are closely following the devastating crash on I-55 as authorities learn more.”
“It breaks my heart to hear that people died in the crash on I-55 today,” she cried. The families of the deceased and all those who were injured and hospitalized are in my prayers.