One airlifted after I-70 semi-truck crash in Effingham Co.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Part of I-70 eastbound in Effingham County was shut down Monday evening for a few hours after a commercial vehicle crash left one person with serious injuries.

State Police told WCIA that around 4:20 p.m., troopers responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash with injuries near milepost 101.

Preliminary information showed that the first vehicle, a Peterbilt semi-truck, was traveling east behind the second vehicle, a Freightliner semi-truck. The Freightliner was slowing down to a stop due to stopped traffic ahead, when the Peterbilt failed to stop and struck the trailer being hauled by the Freightliner.

The passenger of the Peterbilt was flown to a regional hospital with “serious injuries.” The driver and passenger of the Freightliner, as well as the driver of the Peterbilt reported no injuries on the scene.

Traffic was shut down for more than three hours while officials worked to remove the vehicles from the roadway. All lanes were reopened around 8 p.m.

The driver of the Peterbilt was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, as well as for following too closely.

State Police said no further information is available at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.