At least 6 killed in U.S. multi-vehicle accident caused by sandstorm

At least six people were killed and 30 others were injured on Monday in 40 to 60 vehicles crashed in a sandstorm. in Illinois (USA).

Illinois State Police spokesman Capt. Ryan Starrick has told the media that between 40 and 60 “passenger vehicles” were involved in several crashes on Interstate I-55.

Starrick added that. at least 30 people have been transported to hospitals.

In a message on social networks, the state police have explained that some of those affected are in critical condition. The injured range in age from 2 to 80 years old.

The police force added that some 30 commercial vehicles were also involved. Among the vehicles affected. there are two trucks that were set on fire during the multiple accident.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has said on its Twitter account that I-55 near Sangamon and Montgomery counties in that state was closed in both directions due to “numerous crashes caused by a sandstorm”.which has greatly reduced visibility”.

The Illinois State Police indicated in a tweet that. I-55 traffic had been diverted to a nearby highway. and urged drivers to seek alternate routes.