MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ill. — Authorities have released the names of five victims in the deadly dust storm crash Monday on Interstate 55.
Illinois State Police released the following names Saturday morning:
- Joseph Bates, 73, of Crystal Lake, IL
- Donna Bates, 71, of Crystal Lake, IL
- Earl LeGrand, 64, of Florissant, MO
- Michael Zinchuk, 55, of Champaign, IL
- Amy Zinchuk, 54, of Champaign, IL
Shirley Harper, 88, of Franklin, Wisconson, was previously identified. ISP said it is working with the Montgomery County Coroner's Office to confirm the identity of the seventh victim.
Illinois State Police said that blowing dust from nearby caused "complete blackout conditions," resulting in a 72-car pileup near Farmersville in Montgomery County. Thirty-seven people were taken to local hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
Forty ISP troopers and multiple units from surrounding agencies responded. Earlier this week ISP asked for the public's help in identifying three of the victims.
"ISP thanks all its first responder partners and sister agencies for their tremendous work and assistance during this incident," ISP said.