MONTGOMERY COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Illinois State Police provided an update this morning regarding Monday’s deadly dust storm pileup, asking for the public to help identify some of the deceased victims.
ISP Director Brendan Kelly said, as it stands, 72 cars were involved in crashes on both north and southbound I-55, near Farmersville, about 24 miles south of Springfield. Just before 11 a.m., black-out conditions developed in the area when fields to the west of I-55 began depositing heavy amounts of field dust across the highway, Kelly said. The crashes spanned two miles.
Six people died, according to ISP. Only one victim thus far has been positively identified, 88-year-old Shirley Harper of Franklin, Wisconsin. Kelly said three of the victims have been tentatively identified but are waiting for confirmation from family members.
As for the identification of the two remaining victims, the ISP is in need of assistance from the public, Kelly told reporters.
“We want to make sure, (for) their family, the people that are out there, their loved ones that are concerned about their whereabouts, that we are able to provide some closure and proper identification of who these two victims are,” said Kelly.
One of two unknown victims was occupying a blue Chrysler 300 at the time of the crash, its vehicle registration unrecognizable due to the condition of the car. The second unidentified victim was occupying a Hyundai, its color not known.
Kelly said anyone with information is urged to call 618-346-3653.
In total, 37 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Ages of those victims range from 2 to 80-years-old.
The ISP noted the investigation of these crashes remains ongoing.
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
