A semi-truck driver has been cited in a fatal, multi-vehicle crash that shut down Interstate 55 for hours Monday.
Police said Tuesday that the 59-year-old, who was driving a semi truck carrying 40,000 pounds of frozen meat, has been issued citations for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and following too closely.
According to Illinois State Police, the truck driver hit a pickup truck in front of him, causing that truck to strike a minivan, sending the minivan underneath the trailer of another semi, which was hauling 17,800 pounds of flammable paint. The semi burst into flames, causing all the first three vehicles to catch fire as it hit a fifth vehicle.
The driver of the minivan was killed in the crash.
Authorities are asking the public for assistance in identifying the person killed.
The crash involving two semis took place just before 11 a.m. in the outbound lanes of the interstate near Cicero.
Smoke could be seen for miles in the area, and police said that both the green mini-van and the body found inside are unidentifiable due to the crash and fire. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, officials were unable to discern whether the victim was male or female, and police said they could not determine the make or model of the van, believed to be green.
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Anyone who believes they may know the victim or has any information is asked to contact the Cook County Medical Examiner's office at 312-666-0200 or the Illinois State Police at 847-294-4400.
At least one other person was transported from the scene to an area hospital in stable condition, but it was not known which vehicle they were in.
The roadway remained closed for hours.
