UPDATE: Two Children Killed on Interstate 57 Sunday Night

A Sunday evening crash on I-57 claimed the lives of two children from Texas.

Illinois State Police report that a semi driven by Javier Matute, 57 of Connecticut was struck from behind by a semi being driven by Matei Tomoiaga, 37 of Axtell, Texas. Both trucks were travelling northbound on Interstate 57, in the same lane, near the Watson exit at mile marker 154. 

Driver Matei Tomoiaga was injured when he was partially ejected from his vehicle, and was taken to Carle Hospital in Champaign. His wife, Alina Tomoiaga, and a 1-year old child, Carina Tomoiaga were seriously injured and taken to St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Killed in the crash were Matei Tomoiaga, 5 and Dayana Tomoiaga, 8. Both children were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Northbound I-57 was closed for more than 5 hours in the area of the crash, with traffic being re-routed via Route 37.

Illinois State Police and the Watson Fire Department handled the scene, with Effingham's Fire Department assisting Watson. The Effingham County Sheriff's Department, City/County Ambulance and the Effingham County Coroner's office also assisted.