Illinois sandstorm causes horrific traffic accident involving more than 70 vehicles

A major highway accident took place this Monday in Farmersville, Illinois. More than 70 vehicles collided with each other when a sandstorm prevented clear visibility on the roadway. According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), the death count stands at six.

The disaster occurred on Interstate 55 in the vicinity of mile marker 76. The accident was spread over nearly two miles, according to the ISP release. According to the same source, the more than 30 injured were taken to several hospitals in the area. Among those affected are minors and the elderly.

The Montgomery County Coroner's Office is working to identify the six deceased that authorities have reported so far. The only victim identified is Shirley Harper, an 88-year-old woman from Franklin, Wisconsin.

According to ISP, Interstate 55 will remain closed until the appropriate checks are completed and the area can be cleared. According to ISP, 30 commercial transport vehicles were among those involved in the accident. Two semi tractor-trailers caught fire as a result of the accident.

Authorities said the main cause of the massive accident was the excessive wind that kicked up large clouds of dust and dirt from the farms, causing poor visibility conditions on the road.