Multiple emergency services personnel responded to the scene of a fatal traffic accident which occurred Thursday afternoon, June 14, on Interstate 57 in Union County. The picture was taken from Craft Lane, just off of Lick Creek Road, north of Anna.The Anna Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Office were directing traffic Thursday evening, June 14, at the intersection of new U.S. Route 51 and East Vienna Street in Anna. Heavy traffic was being rerouted from Interstate 57 following a major traffic accident.Traffic on Interstate 57 in Union County was slowed, and even stopped, following a major traffic accident Thursday afternoon, June 14.

Traffic accident on interstate claims one life

One person sustained fatal injuries in a three-vehicle traffic accident which occurred Thursday afternoon, June 14, on Interstate 57 in Union County.

Illinois State Police District 22 at Ullin reported that the accident happened at approximately 2:20 p.m. at mile post 33 on the southbound lane of Interstate 57 in Union County.

State police reported that the accident involved a 2009 Volvo truck tractor, a 2007 Freightliner truck and a 2015 Freightliner truck tractor.

The Volvo was reported to have been traveling north bound at mile post 33. The 2007 Freightliner was attempting to make a left (west) turn into the center median turnaround.

The Volvo struck the left rear of the 2007 Freightliner. The Volvo then traveled through the center median into the south bound lanes, striking the 2015 Freightliner head on. 

State police reported that the driver of the Volvo died at the scene. The driver was identified as Lester C. Barr, 60.

The driver of the 2015 Freightliner sustained minor injuries and transported by the Union County Ambulance Service to Union  County Hospital in Anna for treatment.

Multiple emergency services agencies responded to the scene of the accident, which involved a fire. 

The Anna, Cobden and Dongola fire departments responded to the scene. 

The Anna Fire Department ended up making two runs to the scene of the accident. The department's personnel were at the scene for a total of about nine hours.

Smoke from the scene of the accident could be seen for miles. 

One of the trucks which was involved in the accident was reported to have been hauling raw rubber to Mexico. Another one of the trucks was reported to have been hauling cast iron pipe.

The Illinois State Police reported at about 3 p.m. on June 14 that the south bound lanes of I-57 had been closed as a result of the crash. Motorists were being encouraged to avoid the area or to find an alternate route.

Heavy traffic was rerouted from the interstate onto Lick Creek Road following the accident. At times, traffic was backed up for miles along Lick Creek Road.

The interstate remained closed until about 6 a.m. on Friday morning, June 15.

 

 

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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