Semi strikes school bus on I-74

DOWNS – State Police continue to investigate a fatal crash involving a semi and a school bus which occurred in the westbound lanes of I-74 Wednesday night at mile post 137.

Police say a blue 2010 Kenworth semi was traveling the wrong way on the interstate when it struck the school bus head on. The truck driver died from injuries sustained in the crash and was identified by police as a 34-year-old man from Iowa. A passenger in the bus, 72-year-old Charles Crabtree of Normal also died.

The bus was loaded with passengers, according to authorities. Due to the traffic crash investigation, State Police closed the westbound lanes of the interstate last night. The incident is under investigation by traffic crash reconstruction officers and commercial vehicle officers.

Members of the Normal West junior varsity girls basketball team were traveling on the bus following a game at Champaign. Crabtree was a longtime sports volunteer with the school. The bus driver was reportedly in critical condition earlier in the day Thursday.