Following a snowstorm that dropped nearly a foot of snow on the Urbana-Champaign area, 531 incidents were reported on Interstate 57 from 2 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Illinois State Police. 

Recorded incidents included accidents, stranded motorists and cars stuck in ditches. Of these incidents, ISP reported 44 crashes, and of those, only four injuries were reported.

“Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (on Sunday) is when I contacted the University and asked to have something sent out,” said trooper Tracy Lillard, ISP safety education officer. “We were experiencing a high number of students who were the people stuck in ditches.”

About three hours into the snowfall, Lillard said ISP deemed I-57 so hazardous that traveling was dangerous. She said ISP advises motorists to always stay in the vehicle, and to have fuel and a phone available during these especially hazardous conditions.

While traveling back to campus Monday, a University student was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital after being run over by a vehicle on I-57.

 Ethan Asofsky, senior in Media and Illini Media employee, exited his vehicle in the center median lane because of the road conditions, according to a press release. Asofsky, a sports writer for The Daily Illini, flagged down a friend who was driving by and stopped to assist him.

ISP trooper Brian Scott arrived on the scene on the northbound side of the interstate. He saw Asofsky begin to cross the interstate to approach the squad car. Before he attempted to cross, a car lost control and spun out, striking Asofsky and pinning him underneath the vehicle. 

Scott, along with bystanders and the driver of the vehicle, lifted the car off Asofsky and freed him. He was transported to Carle around 12:30 p.m.

His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. He was released from the hospital Tuesday.

“Thanks so much for all the well wishes everyone. I have a lot to live for. Couldn’t thank those who pulled me out enough,” Asofsky tweeted Tuesday evening.