Fiery I-55 Chain-Reaction Crash Leaves 1 Dead

WILMINGTON, IL — The Illinois State Police has announced one semi driver died and another person was seriously injured as a result of a chain reaction fiery crash near a congested construction zone. The crash happened on I-55 near Lorenzo Road around 5 p.m. and it's caused police to divert northbound traffic off the interstate onto Route 129 in Wilmington.

The crash involved several vehicles near mile post 239.

According to preliminary investigations, a "semi-trailer was traveling on I-55 northbound south of Lorenzo Road prior to entering the construction zone," police said. "Traffic was backed up beyond the construction zone and (the truck) failed to stop before striking" a pick up truck.

The chain reaction caused the pickup to hit a semitrailer and also two more cars stuck in the traffic snarl, police said.

Two semis and one vehicle became engulfed in flames, Illinois State Police said.

One motorist was taken to a local hospital for serious injuries. The driver of the semi who caused the crash as he approaching the construction zone has died, according to police.

"All northbound lanes will be shut down until further notice. There are no other injuries reported at this time. This remains an ongoing investigation," State Police announced at 8 p.m.