EFFINGHAM COUNTY — Eastbound Interstate 70 just east of Effingham was closed for approximately six hours Tuesday after a two-semi crash that ignited a fireball on the interstate and had both drivers airlifted from the scene.

According to Illinois State Police, around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, the first semi was traveling below the minimum speed limit in the right lane of I-70 at milepost 100 when the second semi struck the first in the rear of the box trailer.

The driver of the first semi became entrapped and had to be extricated from the vehicle. Both drivers were airlifted via helicopter to Carle Hospital in Champaign, IL for treatment.

Both eastbound lanes of the interstate remained closed for rescue and cleanup efforts until after 10 p.m.