UPDATE 5:47 pm: Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton released a statement concerning the terrible accident as well.
Our hearts are heavy as we grapple with the devastating news of a massive pileup on I-55 outside of Springfield that has reports of casualties and multiple injuries. Our courageous first responders continue to work on the scene to assist and support all those impacted. pic.twitter.com/ziponK4O7t
— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) May 1, 2023
UPDATE 5:37 pm: State Senator McClure’s office issued a statement concerning the I-55 accident as well
“Please keep the victims, their families, and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers. I visited the area this afternoon and witnessed just how hazardous the conditions are. I’m amazed at the work of the first responders from numerous agencies working to save lives in an extremely difficult situation.”
UPDATE 5:30 pm: You can hear the Illinois State Police’s press briefing here.
UPDATE 5:00 pm: At least six people are dead and dozens injured after a massive pileup on Interstate 55 south of Springfield caused by dust blowing off of nearby farm fields.
The accident late Monday morning shut down a long stretch of the interstate for hours, with the closure expected to last until at least early Tuesday. At least 30 people were transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
State police say 30 commercial vehicles and 40 to 60 passenger vehicles were caught in the pileup, and at least two semis caught fire. Springfield Fire Department hazmat crews were dispatched to the scene for a report of a tanker fire.
The dust and smoke from the fires further hampered the ability of first responders to reach the scene and provide emergency aid. The incident closed a stretch of I-55 in both directions for nearly 30 miles – between Litchfield and Pawnee.
UPDATE 3:00 pm: A multi-vehicle crash has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries – and has closed a portion of Interstate 55 south of Springfield until at least Tuesday afternoon.
The exact number of deaths and injuries was not immediately known. High winds blowing dust off of farm fields resulted in low visibility, which in turn led to the crash involving dozens of vehicles.
Springfield Fire Department hazmat crews were dispatched to the scene because of a report of a tanker fire as part of that crash. But the dust and smoke from the fire further hampered the ability of first responders to reach the scene and provide emergency aid.
The incident closed a stretch of I-55 in both directions for nearly 30 miles – between Litchfield and Pawnee.
Reports indicate that more than 35 ambulances and ten helicopters were sent to the scene to assist with transporting victims for medical attention.
UPDATE 1:43 pm:
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
🎥: Nathan Cormier pic.twitter.com/im7QLE8BTp— Nick Hausen (@NickHausenWx) May 1, 2023
Original: A multi-vehicle crash has closed a portion of Interstate 55 south of Springfield. Initial reports indicate that low visibility from dust coming off of farm fields led to the crash.
Springfield Fire Department hazmat crews were dispatched to the scene because of a report of a tanker fire as part of that crash.
The incident has closed I-55 in both directions between mile markers 72 and 80 – from Farmersville to Divernon.
There were reports of multiple injuries, but the exact number of patients and their condition, and the number of vehicles involved, were not immediately known. WMAY will have updates on this story as more information becomes available.
