Published on August 29, 2026 3:40 pm
Last Updated on August 30, 2026 5:58 pm
Two semi-trucks, with one of the vehicles on fire collided on westbound Interstate 70 at 10:33am Saturday. One rig caught fire.
Illinois State Police report both trucks were traveling westbound. One truck was slowing down due to a possible mechanical issue. The other unit struck the rear of the first rig, and was fully engulfed in flames. Debris and cargo from the crash covered both westbound lanes of Interstate 70. Firefighters deployed a hose line and used water and firefighting foam to control and extinguish the fire.
The crash and fire also resulted in the release of diesel fuel and other vehicle fluids onto the roadway. No hazardous cargo was reported. Due to the fire, extensive debris, and fluid spills, both westbound lanes were closed, and the Illinois Department of Transportation shut down westbound I-70 at the I-57/I-70 split while emergency crews worked at the scene.
Rural Med EMS evaluated both drivers involved in the crash. The driver of the rig that caught fire was transported to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The second driver was evaluated at the scene and declined transport. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Firefighters remained on scene following extinguishment while debris was cleared and cleanup operations began. E-Environmental was requested to assist with cleanup of diesel fuel and other vehicle fluids released as a result of the crash.
The Effingham Fire Department was assisted by the Shumway Fire Protection District, Altamont Fire Department, Rural Med EMS, Illinois State Police, and Illinois Department of Transportation, along with additional personnel and resources involved in the cleanup of the roadway.
Both westbound lanes were re-opened at approximately 6:30pm.
The Effingham Fire Department would also like to thank Effingham Police Department Communications/Dispatch for their assistance coordinating the numerous agencies and resources required throughout the incident.
The Effingham Fire Department reminds motorists to slow down, move over when approaching emergency scenes, and follow traffic-control directions from emergency personnel.
Photos courtesy of the Effingham Fire Department
