8th Person Dies After Massive Dust Storm, Crashes: Police

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, IL — An eighth person has died in connection with the massive dust storm that caused a series of crashes and sent dozens to the hospital earlier this month in downstate Illinois, according to police.

Ruth M. Rau, 81, of Sorento, died from her injuries Tuesday night at a hospital, police said.

The storm occurred around 11 a.m. May 1 on Interstate 55 near Farmersville in Montgomery County. In total, 72 vehicles were involved in multiple collisions brought on by the weather event and 37 people were sent to local hospitals.

State Police Director Brendan Kelly described the incident as “a very unusual set of circumstances” that resulted in “a terrible, terrible tragedy.”