At Least Five People Confirmed Dead in Fiery 70-Vehicle Pileup on I-57
Mississippi County, MO — At least five people have reportedly been confirmed dead in a fiery pileup involving as many as 70 vehicles along Interstate 57.
The horrific crash was reported on Thursday morning near the 13 mile marker amid foggy conditions.
On Thursday afternoon, Mississippi County Coroner Troy Terry Parker confirmed to local outlet WPSD that at least five people were killed in the crash.
According to Zach Bolden, director of the Mississippi County EMS, investigators believe a motorist hit the brakes leading to the chain reaction crash which involved multiple big rigs.
Startling video from the scene captured by KFVS News reveals the scope and devastation of the accident.
Drone12 video: Deadly I-57 crash. The sheriff’s office is asking everyone to avoid going to Charleston. Unnecessary traffic is causing more backups>>> https://t.co/joqoinoKcj pic.twitter.com/GOjissJbcG
— KFVS News (@kfvsnews) March 17, 2022
Officials have closed all northbound and southbound lanes from I-55 to the Illinois state line.
This is a major crash scene with multiple collisions and fire involving several tractor trailers & fatalities. Both directions of I-57 are closed. A large cleanup underway & continuing major-crash/fatality scene investigation by @MSHPTrooperGHQ No estimate for reopening of I-57. https://t.co/EulCZ0bUuX
— MO Public Safety (@MoPublicSafety) March 17, 2022
I-57 is closed in both directions from I-55 to the Illinois state line until further notice due to a multi-vehicle incident.
Other river crossings include:
• I-155 in Caruthersville
• Rte 74 in Cape Girardeau
• I-255, I-64, I-70, I-270 in STL
• I-55 in Memphis, Tennessee pic.twitter.com/jNlfEp95NS— MoDOT Southeast (@MoDOTSoutheast) March 17, 2022
There is no timetable for when the roadway will be reopened.
Authorities have also not yet released the identities of the deceased and injured.
TransportationNation.com will continue to monitor this developing story.
See more from the scene below.
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