Two Crashes on I-57 Between Neoga and Mattoon (UPDATE)

Interstate 57 was closed by crashes in both directions between the Neoga interchange and the two Mattoon interchanges Thursday afternoon.

A crash occurred in the northbound lanes between the Lake Land College interchange the Route 16 interchange. Two semis and another vehicle were involved and were blocking the northbound lanes.

A separate crash occurred involving several vehicles farther south. That crash originated in the northbound lanes, but one of the vehicles involved overturned and was blocking the southbound lanes, so traffic was stopped in both directions at that crash, which occurred between the Neoga interchange and the Lake Land College interchange.

Fire was involved in one vehicle in the southernmost crash and a helicopter was on scene at that crash in case vehicle occupants needed to be flown out.

Southbound I-57 was reopened around 5pm. Best estimates were that the northbound lanes would be closed until at least midnight. 

We are aware of deaths as the result of the crash between the Neoga and Lake Land interchanges. We spoke briefly with Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers, who said he would try to provide more information as soon as possible.