MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Interstate 55 was shut down Monday for about 30 miles in both directions, due to a multi-vehicle wreck with injuries that left behind miles of wrecked and burned out vehicles south of Springfield.
 
According to Illinois State Police, a dust storm was reported in the area at the time of the wreck and visibility was reported to be low due to the blowing dust.
 
Illinois State Police said the interstate was shut down just before 11 a.m. Monday from about milepost 52 to 80 north of Farmersville in Montgomery County. Divernon City Hall was used as a reunification post for families of people involved in the crash. ISP said Monday six people were dead.

The National Weather Service reported Monday that visibility was less than a quarter of a mile in that area and became zero at times.

If, when you’re driving, you encounter blowing dust on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible.

ISP said northbound and southbound I-55 reopened to traffic Tuesday at 6 a.m.