The Limited Times

Dust storm in Illinois causes 'multiple deaths' and dozens hospitalized after massive crash

5/1/2023, 9:56:52 PM


More than 30 injured people were taken to hospitals after multiple cars crashed near Farmersville, state police say, adding that the death toll is still unclear.

Several people died and at least 30 were injured in a multiple collision that involved about 80 vehicles on Interstate 55, in a rural area in the state of Illinois.

The crash was caused by a lack of visibility after a dust storm, local authorities reported.

The accident occurred at about 11:00 am north of the town of Farmersville, Illinois State Police said.

The injured were taken to receive medical attention.

Ambulances and firefighters at the scene of a pileup caused by a dust storm in Illinois. Nathan Cormier

"The cause of the accident was extreme winds that blew dirt from farm fields across the highway, causing zero visibility," state police Maj. Ryan Starrick said.

The exact number of fatalities is unknown, but the authorities have specified that at least 18 commercial vehicles and another 60 individuals were involved in the crash.