The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that a vehicle was in the water at 300th Avenue, approximately a quarter mile west of Illinois Route 45, in the Little Wabash River Tuesday night around 10:00 pm in Effingham County. Effingham County Sheriff’s Deputies and Illinois State Police Troopers responded and notified the Effingham County Dive Rescue Team. When they arrived on the scene, officers learned that a second vehicle had gone in the water as well, but both drivers were able to make it out of their vehicles to safety.
25-year-old Jared Sieben of Mason was the first driver. He was traveling east in 300th Avenue when his vehicle was swept off the roadway. He was able to get out and swim to shore. The second vehicle, driven by 33-year-old Amanda Tonn of Edgewood, entered the water shortly after while heading east. Tonn stated that after she went in Sieben re-entered the water, swam to her, and helped her get to safety.
Both vehicles are still in the floodwaters and have not been recovered. They are a gold 2007 Chevrolet Impala and a 2004 maroon Chevrolet Tahoe.
The incident is still under investigation until both vehicles are recovered.