Semi Driver Seriously Hurt In I-80 Wreck Near Minooka

MINOOKA, IL - A collision involving two eastbound semi-trucks along Interstate 80 near Ridge Road in Grundy County caused a major traffic backlog Monday evening. Police said traffic was stopped due to another crash at around 5:30 p.m. when the driver of a tractor semi-trailer failed to stop and hit the back of another semi-trailer, causing it to rear-end a 2016 Ford Focus driven by a Minooka man.

The driver of the first semi, identified as 35-year-old Jeffrey Newton of Keokuk, Iowa, was airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. Newton was cited for following too closely, according to Illinois State Police.

The westbound lanes of I-80 near Minooka were completely shut down as a medical helicopter landed on the ground. The Illinois State Police and several Minooka-area firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene.

State police continue to investigate the crash.

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