(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – An eighth motorist has died from injuries sustained in the fiery May 1 interstate pileup in central Illinois, officials said.
Ruth Rau, 81, of Sorento died this week at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office announced Wednesday.
Rau was injured in the series of crashes that occurred along a stretch of I-55 in Montgomery County as motorists became blinded during a dust storm.
Seven people are believed to have died immediately in the accidents, including a couple from Crystal Lake.
Nearly 40 survivors, who ranged in age from 2 to 80, were transported to area hospitals.
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