KSDK-TV
Rescue crews work at the scene of the crash on Interstate 55 near Litchfield, Ill.
By Ziad Jaber and M. Alex Johnson, NBC News
Updated at 4:01 p.m. ET: A charter bus traveling from Chicago to St. Louis plowed into a bridge support Thursday in southern Illinois, injuring at least 11 people and closing an interstate highway in both directions, state officials told NBC News.
At least 18 ambulances and several emergency helicopters responded to the scene on Interstate 55 a few miles north of Litchfield, in Montgomery County south of the capital, Springfield, said Illinois State Trooper Doug Francis.
The number and severity of the injuries remained unclear. St Francis Hospital in Litchfield, told NBC News that it was treating nine patients and expected two more. An unknown number of other patients was being transported to several other facilities.
The bus, a double-decker express operated by the budget intercity service Megabus, was running from Chicago to St. Louis, the company told NBCChicago.com. Video from NBC station KSDK of St. Louis showed that the bus sustained extensive damage. Multiple people could be seen being strapped into gurneys, some completely covered by sheets.
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The Hillsboro Journal-News quoted first responders as describing numerous serious injuries and requesting more helicopters and more ambulances.
This is a breaking story. Check back for more details.
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