Photo D. O'Malley
A truck driver allegedly reading a map slammed into slowing traffic last night and started a chain reaction accident that killed three people and injured 13 others on I-57 in Eastern Illinois.
The Associated Press reports the accident happened just north of Mattoon in a construction zone.
Three people died in one SUV that was rear-ended by the truck and burst into flames.
In all, State Police tell the AP that nine vehicles were involved in the accident. The extent of injuries to the other 13 people is not yet known.
Investigators say it appears the truck driver was reading a map and did not realize traffic had slowed down because of a construction project in the area.
The names and hometowns of the dead have not been released.
The truck driver is from Louisiana and though he was not injured, he was taken to a hospital for blood and urine tests.
To view a WAND-TV report on the story, click on the video below.
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