One was killed after two vehicles collided on IL-130, north of Olney near Millers Grove Lane, Friday night.
A vehicle driven by 42-year-old John M. Austin, of Charleston, was traveling southbound on IL-130 when his driveshaft broke, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle slid into the northbound lane and struck a second vehicle driven by 71-year-old Andrew Helmuth, of Arthur, on the middle driver’s side.
Austin’s vehicle came to rest in the middle of IL-130. Helmuth’s vehicle went off the right side of the roadway overturning once before coming to rest.
Both Austin, and passenger, 40-year-old Sarah C. Fields of Ashmore, suffered minor injuries.
Helmuth suffered major injuries and was transported to Deaconess Hospital for treatment. Three passengers, 54-year-old Howard Yoder, of Arthur, 21-year-old Lawayne Mast, of Tuscola, and 22-year-old Velma D. Yoder, of Arthur were transported to Richland County Hospital for treatment.
50-year-old Verna M. Yoder was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Austin is charged with Improper Lane Usage and Mast and Velma Yoder are charged with Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.