Two Crashes Cause 8-Hour Backup on I-57

Two separate accidents on I-57 in Franklin County caused traffic delays for several miles on Friday for over eight hours.

Illinois State Police said the first occurred on I-57 north bound at mile post 78. At approximately 7:38 am, a semi rolled over, blocking a lane and a half. Details about the first crash were not released.

The second crash occurred at mile post 70 at approximately 12:15 pm. Police say a semi was stopped due to traffic from the first crash, when it was rear-ended by a pickup. The driver of the pickup, 23-year-old Ryan Coultas of Jacksonville, IL, was flown from the scene for treatment of his injuries. The semi driver was not hurt.

I-57 was reopened at approximately 4:00 pm.