2 children dead following Interstate 80 crash near Utica; 5 others injured

An 8-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, both of Peru, died Tuesday night following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 between Utica and Ottawa.

Multiple injuries were reported from the crash Tuesday at mile marker 81 west bound. Two adults and three other children were reported injured by Illinois State Police District 17 in La Salle.

Ambulances from Utica, La Salle, Marseilles, Peru and Ottawa and a medical helicopter responded to the scene. The crash is under investigation by Illinois State Police and La Salle County Coroner’s Office. Investigative autopsies will be performed. The Illinois State Police will release more information on the incident.

Westbound interstate traffic was halted at about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The NewsTribune and The Times will update this story with more information as it is released by authorities.