Dust Storm Triggers Massive Car Pileup Killing 6, Injuring Dozens

Six people were killed and over 30 hospitalized in a multi-car wreck on an Illinois highway Monday after a dust storm severely reduced visibility, according to local law enforcement.

Illinois State Police (ISP) said that around 10:55 a.m. local time, several crashes occurred along Interstate 55 after the storm spurred treacherous road conditions. According to ISP's update posted to Twitter, around 30 commercial vehicles and from 40 to 60 passenger cars were involved in the wreck, including two semi-trailers "that caught fire as results of the crashes."

"At this time, we have reports of more than 30 people being transported to the hospital and multiple fatalities," ISP said. "Injuries range from minor to life-threatening and ages range from 2 to 80."

Local police reported the six fatalities, all occurring on I-55's northbound lanes. ISP did not have additional information about the victims at this time.

Persistent winds coming from the northwest intensified on Monday and contributed to the storm. A blowing cloud of dust eliminated visibility on Interstate 55 in Springfield and led to the crash. Police closed the highway in both directions and urged drivers to seek alternative routes. The closure spanned miles—traversing the highway in both directions from milepost 52 to 80.

ISP first closed the highway between milepost 63 and 80, but expanded the closure to milepost 52 shortly after. The Weather Channel reported that the pileup was "massive," with winds reaching 35 to 45 mph, roughly half the strength of a Category 1 hurricane.

Families were directed to Divernon City Hall for reunification. WAND-TV reporter Caryn Eisert tweeted that 10 helicopters were requested to the scene, and buses were needed to transport stranded motorists. The highway is expected to remain closed until at least Tuesday afternoon.

Although uncommon for the Midwest, dust storms can suddenly and severely reduce visibility, like dense fog or driving into a sudden snow squall. AccuWeather expert senior meteorologist Bob Larson told Newsweek on Monday that several factors contributed to the deadly storm.

April has been an uncommonly dry month for Illinois, with the south-central region only receiving roughly half of its average 4 inches of rain for the month, according to Larson. Monday was also extremely windy for the area.

Larson identified the third factor as farmers recently plowing their fields.

"Given that it is the spring season, there are a number of open fields that have recently been plowed," he said.

Motorists posted pictures of the dust storm to Twitter on Monday afternoon. The photos showed billowing clouds of dust consuming a line of backed-up traffic on Interstate 55.

Meanwhile, Larson called the event "unusual," but not unheard of for the area. Dust storms are typically much more common in southwest desert regions during dry seasons when gusty winds are prevalent. They are particularly dangerous for people traveling at high rates of speed.

"It was the perfect storm for this to happen," Larson said. "It's not common, but it's not in the realm of being unheard of."

A blowing dust warning is in effect for the area until 7 p.m. local time.