FARMERSVILLE, Ill. (WTVO) — A rare occurrence in Illinois, a dust storm forced 17 miles of I-55 to shut down on Monday.

Gusts of wind between 35-45 miles per hour blew dust up into the air, which resulted in low visibility and a multi-car pileup, according to The Weather Channel.

Illinois State Police said that the interstate was shut down in both directions from mile markers 52-80.

Officers responded to crashes around 10:55 a.m., according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. ISP said that 72 vehicles were involved. Social media showed that they appeared to be on both side of the highway. Flames could be seen.

The Illinois State Police said that seven fatalities occurred in the northbound lanes. Thirty-seven people were transported to the hospital for injuries. Their ages ranged from 2-80 years old.

A reunion center has been set up in Divernon’s City Hall for those involved in the incident.

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