6 separate crashes snarl traffic on I-44, one dead

The city of Mt. Vernon was victim to a slew of crashes on I-44 Sunday, March 22, with six in total being reported on just a few miles of interstate according to Lawrence County Sheriff and Mt. Vernon Fire Chief Brad DeLay.

The inciting incident took place at mile marker 41 in the westbound lanes on I-44 where a single tractor trailer crashed, killing one. The other occupant of the vehicle was in critical condition after the crash, though their status is unknown as of now, according to DeLay. 

After this, five more crashes took place all of which were on the Eastbound side of I-44. DeLay said there was a crash every couple of miles from mile marker 41 to mile marker 46. Though the causes remain largely unknown, DeLay thinks the initial crash could have been a factor. 

“All other crashes were on the eastbound side,” said DeLay. “I am sure traffic flow had something to do with them as well as rubbernecking.”

There were no other injuries to report as a result of the collisions. 

"I have seen accidents way worse, but not this many in a row," DeLay said.