A deadly pileup involving an unknown number of vehicles occurred on Interstate 55 near Springfield, forcing authorities to close a portion of the interstate.

Illinois State Police said I-55 southbound near the I-72 interchange was closed at approximately 10:38 a.m. following a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles. The southbound lanes of I-55 were expected to remain closed for "several hours," and traffic was being rerouted at Exit 100, authorities said.

While the extent of the pileup remained unclear, footage from the scene posted on social media showed more than 10 vehicles appeared to have been involved, including at least three semis.

The National Weather Service office in Lincoln, Illinois, shared an image from an Illinois Department of Transportation showing a large backup stem

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