LITCHFIELD – A packed double-decker Megabus slammed into an Illinois interstate bridge support pillar Thursday, hurling screaming passengers from their seats and leaving at least one person dead and more than three dozen injured, officials said.

Illinois State Police Trooper Doug Francis said the passenger who died was female, but he would not disclose her name or age. He did not know where she was seated on the bus, which was traveling between Chicago and Kansas City.

Francis said 38 people were taken to hospitals for injuries from the crash, which left the bus sitting with its crumpled front end smashed up against the bridge support. Rescue crews climbed ladders to reach those trapped inside, while others tended to injuries along the side of Interstate 55.