MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ill.–A moment of silence was held in the U.S. House Thursday to honor those killed in a pileup on I-55 during a dust storm. The tribute comes as the Illinois State Police announced it identified all seven victims. 

What You Need To Know

  • Seventh victim in deadly dust storm crash has been identified as 58-year-old Otto Medina-Salazar

  • Investigators say 72 vehicles were involved in the crashes that closed nearly 20 miles of I-55 about an hour north of St. Louis

  • Illinois representatives in Washington, D.C. hold moment of silence for victims

Otto Medina-Salazar, 58-years-old, from Carthage, Mo. has been the last victim identified in the crash. 

The other victims previously identified are:

  • Shirley Harper, 88-year-old from Franklin, Wis. 
  • Joseph Bates, 73-year-old from Crystal Lake, Ill. 
  • Donna Bates, 71-year-old from Crystal Lake, lll. 
  • Earl LeGrand, 64-year-old from Florissant, Mo. 
  • Michael Zinchuk, 55-year-old from Champaign, Ill. 
  • Amy Zinchuk, 54-year-old from Champaign, Ill.

Investigators say 72 vehicles were involved in the crashes that closed nearly 20 miles of I-55 about an hour north of St. Louis. 

Thirty-seven people were taken to the hospital following the incident with injuries ranging from minor to critical. 

Illinois State Police (ISP) asked the public for help trying to identify two of the victims following the crash because the vehicles were heavily damaged during the incident.

Rep. Nikki Budzinski and Rep. Mary Miller and the Illinois delegation in Congress held a moment of silence in the House today for the victims who lost their lives in the pile-up. 

The wrecks happened as high winds blew dust from farm fields across the interstate, creating poor visibility on May 1. Illinois State Police said it would “follow the facts” and see what helpful information could be obtained to help prevent future incidents.

ISP says the investigation is ongoing and released photos of the crash showing an up close look at the damage.