Many injured in tour bus crash

SALEM, Ill. — Authorities in southern Illinois say 36 people have been taken to a hospital in Salem for evaluation after a tour bus ran off the northbound lanes of Interstate 57.

Police in Salem say initial information indicates the bus driver lost control after blowing a tire and slamming into a tree six-and-a-half miles north of the city. Salem is located about 70 miles east of St. Louis.

Authorities say the bus belonged to the Williams Tours of Canton, Miss., and was transporting a family to Chicago for a reunion.

WJDB-Radio (reports police say a passenger was taken from the scene by helicopter and transported to a St. Louis Hospital for treatment of more serious injuries. Others among the 44 passengers were taken to Salem Township Hospital treatment.