Effingham, IL (August 31, 2026) – One driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after two semi-trucks crashed and caught fire on the westbound I-70 near mile marker 90 on Saturday morning, August 29, according to Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum. Crews were dispatched around 10:30 a.m. and found one semi engulfed in flames, with debris and cargo covering both westbound lanes.
Firefighters used water and foam to put out the fire. The crash also released diesel fuel and other vehicle fluids onto the roadway, though no hazardous cargo was reported. The second driver was evaluated at the scene and declined transport. Both westbound lanes were initially closed before one reopened by midday.
The Illinois State Police is investigating the cause. We hope the injured driver has a full recovery.
Why Do Semis Crashes Result in Extensive Fuel Spills?
Semi-trucks typically carry much larger fuel tanks than passenger vehicles, several times the capacity, which means a ruptured tank can release far more fuel onto the roadway after a serious crash. This volume alone makes cleanup a more involved process than a standard vehicle fire.
Beyond diesel fuel, semis also carry other fluids like coolant, oil, and hydraulic fluid, any of which can spill and mix during a crash. Crews have to identify and address each of these separately, since different fluids may require different containment or cleanup methods.
This kind of spill keeps a roadway closed well after a fire itself is extinguished, since the surface needs to be treated or cleared before it’s considered safe for regular traffic. Environmental cleanup crews are frequently called in specifically to manage this part of the response.
