Police: Speeding truck plowed into cars on I-55

Five people have been confirmed dead in two separate crashes Monday afternoon on Interstate 55 near Channahon, authorities said.

The first crash on northbound I-55 south of Arsenal Road resulted in four women being killed. The crash involved two semitrailer trucks and three passenger vehicles, according to Illinois State Police.

ABC 7 Chicago reported that police said a speeding semitrailer truck caused the crash. The truck was passing vehicles in the left lane before abruptly changing lanes ahead of a construction zone and plowing into several other vehicles, police said.

Four other victims with injuries were taken to area hospitals. One of the victims had to be airlifted to a hospital.

The second crash on southbound I-55 at Route 6, involving two semitrailer trucks, resulted in the death of a truck driver. The other driver was being treated for injuries at an area hospital, police said.

Both crashes occurred about 2:30 p.m., authorities said.

The northbound I-55 lanes were reported reopened after 8:30 p.m.

The southbound lanes on I-55 were closed for a time and reopened late in the evening rush hour.