Black Ice Leads To Several Crashes In South Suburbs

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Black ice has been causing multiple crashes in the south suburbs early Wednesday morning.

Illinois State Police said they have been responding to so many accidents involving black ice that they can't keep up.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been sending out salt trucks to help. According to IDOT, large stretches of I-57, I-55, I-80, and I-39 were partly or mostly covered with ice or snow.

"Our trucks are out in full force and are salting expressways. We are doing our best at the peak of rush hour to clear the ice as quickly and as safely as possible. Please give our trucks plenty of room to do their jobs. We appreciate your patience," IDOT stated in a Twitter post.

There also was a deadly crash on an icy road in Tinley Park, when a semi headed south on LaGrange Road crossed the median, and hit a car headed north. The driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was in the car, and the truck driver was not injured.

The icy conditions have been causing a lot of problems on the highways during the morning rush.

The two right lanes of outbound Interstate 57 were blocked between the Tri-State tollway and 159th Street, after an eight-car crash.

Another driver spun out near Interstate 294 and Interstate 55. After exiting the vehicle, another car that lost control struck that driver.

Interstate 80 was down to one lane in each direction near Houbolt Road, and Interstate 55 was down to one lane in each direction near Route 52. Illinois State Police said there were at least 20 crashes in the area due to black ice.

Another accident was reported just over the border in Northwest Indiana: