A dust storm forced dozens of vehicles to crash along a major highway in the Central Illinois region of the US on Monday which left at least six people dead, media reports said.

The crashes along I-55 led to the interstate closing in Sangamon and Montgomery counties after police say dust from newly plowed fields took over the highway. The city of Springfield, the state capital, is in Sangamon County, reports CNN.

Illinois State Police Maj. Ryan Starrick told CNN that at least six people were killed and more than 30 people were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Those injured in the wrecks ranged in age from 2 to 80 years old, he said.

Thirty patients were taken to Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals, HSHS spokesperson Jennifer Snopko told CNN Monday evening.

Another four people were taken to Springfield Memorial Hospital, hospital spokesperson Anne Davis told the news channel.

However, the exact condition of the injured people is still not known.

The Illinois Police tweeted: "I-55 is shut down both south and northbound I-55 from milepost 63 to 80 at this time due to a large crash. Traffic is being diverted onto the frontage road. Motorists are urged to take an alternative routes."