Dust storm causes more than 70 vehicle pileup on Illinois’ interstate 55

A dust storm caused more than 70 vehicles to pile-up interstate 55, north of Farmersville around 11 a.m. on Monday.

Furthermore, winds of up to 45 miles per hour were reportedly blowing in the area of the crush, which is surrounded by tilled farm fields. Dust and soil particles from the fields were raised, creating a dust storm that dramatically reduced visibility on the interstate.

Poor visibility conditions caused more than 70 vehicles to crash on a 2-mile stretch, while two semi-trucks involved in the event caught on fire, worsening the situation even further.

The aftermath was 7 fatalities and another 37 people, ages 2 to 80 years old, hospitalized with minor to life threatening injuries.

Interstate 55 was reopened on Tuesday, after overnight removal of the debris.

Illinois State Police Maj. Ryan Starrick stated that such dust storms are not uncommon in the state, but he has not seen any of such severity in his 24-year career as a police officer.