At least six people people killed and multiple others were hurt in a 20-car pileup along an Illinois highway on Monday. 

Fatal crash involving at least 20 cars shuts down Illinois highway (TND)

Illinois State Police said the crash involved approximately 20 commercial motor vehicles and 40 to 60 passenger cars.

Authorities said they they received reports of multiple fatalities and more than 30 people taken to the hospital. The Montgomery County Coroner reported to the scene.

Multiple people killed, hurt in 20-car pileup on Illinois highway (WICS)

The Illinois Department of Transportation said the crash was caused by excessive winds, which blew dirt from farms across the highway. 

The National Weather Service said visibility was less than a quarter mile to zero. 

Blowing dust causing a multiple-car pile-up on I-55 between Divernon and Farmersville. Visibility less than a quarter of a mile. Visibility can become zero at times. If you encounter blowing dust on the roadway or see it approaching, pull off the road as far as possible," according to The National Weather Service.

State police said two truck-tractor semi-trailers caught on fire as a result of the crashes.

State police said they started receiving calls reporting the crash around 10:55 a.m. EDT. 

The highway was closed and traffic is being diverted onto the frontage road. Drivers have been urged to take alternative routes.

Authorities said the highway will be shut down until at least Tuesday afternoon.

An investigation is underway, authorities said. 

Multiple people killed, hurt in 20-car pileup on Illinois highway (WICS)