ST. LOUIS (KMOV) – Several people were injured after a double-decker Megabus slammed into a bridge support in Montgomery County, Illinois on Thursday.
Illinois State Police said the bus slammed into a concrete bridge pillar on southbound Interstate 55 at mile marker 57, located just north of Litchfield.
Authorities said at least 18 ambulance and seven helicopters were on the scene taking victims to the hospital. Officials confirmed 10 of those ambulances were headed to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.
Sue Campbell with Memorial Hospital said they were expecting between six and nine patients.
Firefighters could be seen putting up at least four ladders to help rescue victims who were trapped on the top level of the bus.
Other emergency crews were treating passengers on the side of the highway.
The victims’ conditions were not immediately clear.
The Litchfield School District sent three school buses to transport uninjured people back to Litchfield, which is about five miles away.
The bus suffered extensive damage to the front.
Officials say northbound and southbound traffic was backed up for at least five miles on Interstate 55. Northbound traffic was being diverted to exit 152.
Stay with News 4 and KMOV.com for the latest on this developing story.
