One person was killed and three were injured in an accident that occurred on I-70E/B, four miles east of Martinsville, shortly before 5:00pm on Friday.
According to a report from the Illinois State Police, six vehicles were coming to a stop on I-70 eastbound for backed up traffic from construction. At the same time, a semi driven by 66 year old, Wayne Kauffman, of Oakland, Maryland failed to stop and struck a vehicle driven by 74 year old, Raymond Johnson, of Orange, Connecticut. The collision caused Johnson to strike the vehicle in front of his, and caused a chain reaction of all six vehicle rear-ending each other.
Raymond Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident. His passenger, Ruth Johnson was taken to Regional Hospital in Terre Haute by helicopter for treatment. Two other drivers were taken for treatment, Dale McWilliams, of Rolla, Missouri was taken by helicopter to Carle Hospital and Amy Allen-Crosier, of Overland Park, Kansas was taken by ambulance to Regional Hospital. I-70 E/B was closed and re-rerouted for nearly 9 hours.
Wayne Kauffman was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, aggravated reckless driving, and using an electronic communication device while driving.
All persons listed are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.