METROPOLIS, IL (October 21, 2025) — One person was killed and another seriously injured in a collision involving two semi-trucks early Tuesday morning on Interstate 24 near Rosebud Road, according to the Illinois State Police.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 2:27 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-24 when one truck-tractor semi-trailer struck the back of another. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, leaving debris scattered across the roadway.
Emergency crews arrived to find both trucks engulfed in flames. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was flown by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, pending notification of family.
Fire personnel worked through the early morning hours to extinguish the flames and secure the area. Traffic was diverted as investigators documented the scene and cleanup crews removed burned wreckage from the highway.
Investigation: Illinois State Police Troop 10 is handling the investigation and examining vehicle data, roadway markings, and tire impressions to determine what caused the rear-end collision. Investigators are also reviewing the speed and distance between the two semi-trucks before impact.
Troopers will inspect both vehicles’ maintenance records and driver logs to see if fatigue, mechanical failure, or visibility played a part. As of Tuesday evening, no further details had been released, and eastbound lanes were reopened once the wreckage was cleared.
Legal Considerations: When two commercial trucks collide, investigators must account for load weight, braking distance, and driver awareness in the moments leading up to impact. These details help determine whether one operator failed to reduce speed or maintain proper distance.
If mechanical failure or maintenance issues are identified, liability may extend to the trucking company responsible for vehicle upkeep. Investigators will rely on data recorders and inspection reports to assess how both trucks were operating before contact.
Crashes of this scale bring serious physical and financial consequences for drivers and families, including loss of life, medical costs, and emotional recovery. The findings from this investigation will help clarify the events on I-24 and may lead to safety recommendations for long-haul operators traveling through southern Illinois.
We extend our condolences to the family of the driver who lost their life and wish recovery to the surviving motorist.
Source: WPSD Local 6