WILLIAMSON COUNTY — Interstate 57 was closed for several hours Thursday following the second crash this week between multiple semi-trucks on the interstate.

According to the Illinois State Police, four semi-trucks each pulling trailers were traveling northbound in the right lane of I-57 north of mile post 43 in Williamson County. Traffic was backed up and stopping due to I-57 northbound and Interstate 24 westbound merging into a construction zone.

A semi being driven by 61-year-old James C. Grissom, of Hamburg, Illinois was stopped in traffic while a second semi driven by 55-year-old Patricia M. Krueger, of Artesia, N.M. stopped behind Grissom.

At that time a third semi driven by 43-year-old Todd N. Tittle, of Thomasboro, Illinois was slowing and almost stopped behind Krueger’s semi when a fourth semi driven by 49-year-old Daniel L. Durham, Sr., of Manteno, Illinois ran into the rear of Tittle’s semi causing Tittle’s semi to strike the rear of Krueger’s, and Krueger’s to strike the rear of Grissom’s.

Both Grissom’s and Krueger’s semis became engulfed in flames causing damage to the pavement on the roadway. Guard rails and guard rail posts on both side of I-57 were also damaged.

Tittle suffered minor injuries and was transported to Heartland Regional Medical Center for treatment. There were no other injuries reported.

I-57 was closed at the crash scene for approximately six hours due to scene clean up and crash investigation.

Durham was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and following too closely.

ISP District 13 was the primary investigating agency.  ISP commercial motor vehicle officers from ISP District 13 and ISP District 19 responded to the scene to assist with the crash investigation.

ISP District 22 and IDOT assisted by re-routing traffic off of I-57 south of the crash scene.  IDOT, Lake Egypt Fire, and Vernells Towing assisted at the scene.