RICHLAND CO., Ill. - A 7 p.m. crash last night on Illinois Route 130 just north of Olney has left one person deceased and sent several others to area hospitals for treatment.
Illinois State Police worked the accident, which happened just north of Miller's Grove Lane Friday, September 2.
At that time, a blue 2001 Ford F250 being driven by John M. Austin, 42, of Charleston, was southbound on 130 just north of Miller's Grove Lane, and a white 2013 Ford Econoline Van being driven by Andrew Helmuth, 71, of Arthur, was northbound at the same location.
The driveshaft of the Ford F250 broke, causing Austin to lose control of his truck. The F250 slid sideways into the northbound lane, striking the van on the middle driver's side. The truck came to rest in the middle of 130, blocking both lanes.
The Econoline van exited the roadway to the right (east) and overturned one time.
Austin and his passenger, Sarah Fields, 40, of Ashmore, suffered minor injuries.
Helmuth was airlifted to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville for treatment. His condition was unavailable as of today.
Three more of the passengers in the van also suffered injuries and were transported to Richland Memorial Hospital for treatment. Those were Howard Yoder, 54, of Arthur; Lawayne Mast, 21, of Tuscola, and Velma D. Yoder, 22, of Arthur.
The final passenger of the van, Verna M. Yoder, 50, of Arthur, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Richland County's Coroner.
Austin was cited for Improper Lane Usage; Velma D. Yoder and Lawayne Mast were both cited for Failure to Wear Seatbelt.
Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit processed the scene.