The plane crash happened around 8:49 a.m. Tuesday on Interstate 55 near Lincoln. (Photo courtesy WJBC/ Bill Mabie)

By Neil Doyle

Three people were killed in a plane crash Tuesday morning on Interstate 55 near Lincoln.

The Logan County Coroner confirmed the three deaths, according to Illinois State Police. Identities of the passengers are being withheld pending family notification.

The southbound lanes of I-55 near Lincoln were closed for over five hours after the small plane crashed around 8:49 a.m.

ISP said the plane became fully engulfed upon impact in the middle of the interstate.

The crash remains under investigation.