ISP releases names of five more victims in I-55 dust storm accident

FARMERSVILLE, Illinois (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police have released five additional names of the seven people killed in a massive sandstorm accident on Interstate 55 on May 1.

A large pile-up occurred around 10:55 a.m. on both northbound and southbound Interstate 55 between mile markers 72 and 78 near Farmersville, Montgomery County. A total of 72 vehicles are known to have been involved in the crash, and 37 people were taken to local hospitals, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Seven people were killed in the crash, including the previously announced 88-year-old Shirley Harper of Franklin, Wisconsin.

The ISP has released five additional names:

Joseph Bates, 73, from Crystal Lake, Illinois

Donna Bates, 71, from Crystal Lake, IL

Earl Legrand, 64, from Florissant, Missouri

Michael Zinchuk, 55, from Champaign, IL

Amy Zinchuk, 54, from Champaign, IL

The ISP said it was working closely with the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office to confirm the identity of the last remaining victim. They said the information will be made public once a positive identification has been completed and the family has been notified.

ISP would like to thank all first responder partners and sister institutions for their tremendous work and assistance during this incident.