A tragic crash on Interstate 39 near El Paso on Thursday afternoon claimed the life of a Bloomington man, according to authorities in Woodford County. The collision involved a passenger vehicle and a semi-trailer carrying an oversized load, prompting a multi-agency investigation and renewed concerns about safety around slow-moving commercial vehicles.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:05 p.m. on Thursday along I-39, just outside the city of El Paso. Deputies with the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a serious collision involving a semi-truck and a white SUV. Traffic in the area was impacted as emergency crews worked to secure the scene.
Woodford County Coroner Tim Ruestman identified the victim as Steven Porter, 37, of Bloomington. Porter was the sole occupant of the SUV at the time of the crash. Authorities said he suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 12:55 p.m., about 50 minutes after the crash occurred.
According to investigators, the semi-trailer involved in the crash was transporting an oversized load and was traveling at a reduced speed, as required by law. For reasons still under investigation, Porter’s SUV struck the rear of the semi-trailer. Officials have not yet released details about whether braking, visibility, or road conditions may have contributed to the crash.
Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword of the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the semi driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. No injuries were reported involving the driver of the semi-truck. Authorities emphasized that crashes involving oversized loads can be especially dangerous due to reduced speeds and limited maneuverability.
The crash remains under active investigation by the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and the Woodford County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy and toxicology tests are pending as part of the investigation. Officials have not announced whether any citations or charges will be filed. Authorities are reminding drivers to stay alert, maintain safe following distances, and exercise extra caution when approaching slow-moving or oversized vehicles on interstate highways.
