EFFINGHAM, IL – (Effingham Radio) – Four individuals were sustained injuries in a head-on collision that occurred on 1600th Avenue just east of 1400 Street.
According to a report from Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, the accident took place approximately 930 feet east of the intersection of 1600 Avenue and 1400 Street, at 9:33PM, on May 31, 2018.
The report states that a vehicle driven by 48 year old, Heidi Vanbellehem was traveling westbound on 1600 Avenue. A vehicle driven by 20 year old, Nicholas Griffith was traveling eastbound at the same location with two passengers in the vehicle. The vehicle driven by Vanbellehem left it’s lane of travel and entered the eastbound lane. The two vehicles collided head-on in the eastbound lane. The vehicle driven by Vanbellehem came to rest towards the north edge of the road facing east/northeast. The vehicle driven by Griffith came to rest facing the same general direction, but along the south edge of the road. Both vehicles were sitting upright. The vehicle driven by Griffith caught fire as a result of the crash, however its occupants were able to exit prior to it becoming engulfed in flames. Shumway Fire Department, Effingham Fire Department and Abbott Emergency Medical Services all responded.
All four individuals involved were treated by HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, three of which were taken by Abbott EMS and the fourth was taken via private vehicle. Thankfully all four individuals were wearing seat belts.
Vanbellehem was cited for Improper Lane Usage and there are additional charges pending.