Illinois State police and Gardner FPD firefighter/paramedics responded about 11:59 AM Saturday to a multiple-injury crash on SB I-55 and MP 227 Gardner, Illinois. Police and firefighter/paramedics on the scene reported a multiple vehicle pile-up involving one semi-trailer truck and 15 total vehicles.
Fire command reported 16 patients were transported from the crash scene to area hospitals, and 16 medical refusals.
Firefighters were working two extrication operations at the scene.
The pile-up crash occurred during periods of snow squalls, high winds and white out conditions. Conditions at Joliet Regional Airport included a report of a steady north wind of 21 MPH with gusts to 37 MPH at 10:15 a.m. A north wind of 16 MPH with gusts to 31 MPH were reported at 10:55 a.m.
Firefighter/paramedics from Channahon, Coal City, Dwight, East Joliet, Mokena, Pontiac, Troy, Wilmington and other departments assisted Gardner FPD firefighter/paramedics at the scene or standing by in Gardner and other nearby community fire stations.
Ten flatbed tow/recovery trucks responded to the scene to clear vehicles from the crash scene.
Snow squall dropping into E/Central IL & NW IN…temporary whiteout conditions. #ILWX #INWX pic.twitter.com/KEnNiNx6vS
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 14, 2015
Much colder with strong NW winds today. Wind chills to 30 below tonight. Lake effect snow NW IN. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/6ZGILDjEL3
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 14, 2015
Light snow tonight then Lake Effect Snow Saturday and Sunday. pic.twitter.com/AJfGtKKvPo
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 14, 2015
Very cold and windy Sat. Lake effect snow showers in NW IN Saturday PM, and into NE IL Sunday. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/U1MhjcA4KQ
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 13, 2015
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