A deadly crash involving multiple vehicles amid snowy and slick driving conditions in downstate Illinois prompted a closure of southbound I-57 for several hours Saturday, state police said.

Around 9:50 a.m. Saturday, a deadly multi-vehicle crash on I-57 near milepost 193 in Coles County prompted a full closure of southbound lanes for over six hours, Illinois State Police said. Traffic was re-routed off the interstate at Exit 203, ISP said.

As of 4 p.m. Saturday, ISP said the closure was expected to continue for several hours.

At least nine crashes occurred on I-57 between Mattoon and Tuscola amid the wintry conditions Saturday, IDOT said.

IDOT cameras in the nearby area did not show the crashes, however, they did provide a glimpse at the snow- and ice-covered road conditions on I-57.

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