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7 deaths in Illinois dust storm, police need help identifying victims

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2023

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ill. – A blinding dust storm led to seven deaths from a series of crashes involving more than 70 vehicles along Interstate 55 in south central Illinois.

Illinois State Police tell FOX 2 that now seven drivers in the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 died from the crash. Investigators have identified one victim as 88-year-old Shirley Harper from Franklin, Wisconsin. ISP says two other victims have tentatively been identified, though authorities are working to confirm with family members.

Of the victims who died, ISP is working to identify four other adults. Police have not disclosed the genders or possible ages of those victims. However, one victim was found inside a blue Chrysler 300, while the other was found inside an unknown-colored Hyundai.

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If you have any information on these victims, contact ISP at 618-346-3653.

Illinois State Police say 37 people were hospitalized and 72 vehicles were believed to be involved in the crash in some capacity.

ISP spokesperson Brendan Kelly says they can’t jump to conclusions on what exactly led up to the crash, though noted a period of dryness in Illinois might have contributed to the dust storm. He says the stretch of Interstate 55 where the crash happened is flat and surrounded by dirt farms, though usually doesn’t experience much trouble from wind breaks.

“There were very unusual circumstances,” said Kelly. “Certainly dust stroms happen, but it’s not something that happens every day in this part of Illinois or in any part of Illinois. It’s a terrible tragedy, it’s a terrible day in this part of Illinois and for the families that were affected by this, we’ll certainly continue to keep them at the center of our hearts.”

Kelly adds that the intestate was closed quickly after initial reports of crashes and the dust storm around 11 a.m. Monday, though, noted “parameters are not always predictable” to have closed it in advance, like in the case of a blizzard or icy conditions.

Kelly also adds that 40 ISP troopers responded to the scene Monday, calling their effort in assisting “very professional, very timely.”

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Man attacks Jeff Co. deputy with screwdriver during attempted arrest

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – Two people are behind bars after a man reportedly attacked a Jefferson County deputy with a screwdriver during an attempted arrest over the weekend.

Prosecutors have charged Nicholas Davis, 47, and Amanda Davis, 45, of Dittmer, Missouri, with felonies in the investigation.

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The alleged attack followed a traffic stop of a driver in the 9500 block of Jones Creek Road on July 7, though the driver was not Nicholas or Amanda.

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Nicholas reportedly came out of his nearby home, yelled at a deputy and started approaching him while holding a screwdriver. The deputy initially ordered Nicholas to back away, then used pepper spray.

Per court documents, the deputy attempted to arrest Nicholas, who then struck him in the chest with the screwdriver. Amanda reportedly approached the deputy and pulled him away from Nicholas before both ran inside their home.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says the situation prompted an hours-long standoff involving negotiators, a SWAT team and a K-9 deputy. The situation led to Nicholas refusing warnings and being bitten by a K-9.

Nicholas and Amanda are both jailed in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Nicholas is charged with first-degree assault on a special victim and armed criminal action. Amanda is charged with resisting/interfering with arrest.

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St. Louis Public Schools superintendent to be sworn in

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

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ST. LOUIS — The new St. Louis schools superintendent will be officially sworn into office today. Dr. Keisha Scarlett took over the job in July after the retirement of Dr. Kelvin Adams. She was assistant superintendent in the Seattle Public School District. The installation ceremony is at 6:15 p.m. before the regular school board meeting.

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Gas tanker crashes into St. Louis Metro transit center

Published

2 years ago

July 11, 2023

Natural Bridge

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ST. LOUIS — A gasoline tanker truck crashed into a Metro transit center near Riverview and Hall Streets early Tuesday morning and knocked over a power pole. The pole is leaning on other power lines. Police have the area blocked off here because there is a downed power line. Ameren and Metro crews are also on the scene.

The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. It’s still unclear exactly what caused the crash, but we do that there was a second vehicle somehow involved. The airbags on that second vehicle did deploy.

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Police at the scene have not been able to give us a lot of details. Metro officials tell FOX 2 that the transit center here is operating this morning for passengers and buses. Access to certain areas will be limited here as clean up unfolds.

A Metro spokesperson says half of the station isn’t being used right now because of safety issues. It isn’t impacting overall bus operations, everything is just happening on the other side of transit center.

The extent of the damage to the actual transit center is still unclear, but I’m told it does not appear to be extreme. A Metro spokesperson tells me there were no injuries to any metro workers or passengers. The tanker driver also was not injured.

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