ISP Investigating Fatal Crash In Effingham

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12:

WHAT:

• Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:

• US HWY 45, just north of Rickelman Avenue, Effingham County

WHEN:

• June 17, 2022 at 9:15 a.m.

VEHICLES:

• Unit 1 – 2000 Green Oldsmobile Van
• Unit 2 – 2013 White Ford F350 Truck

DRIVERS:

• Unit 1 – Rachel M. Pace, 44-year-old female from Neoga, IL – Deceased
• Unit 2 – Mason M. Thomas, 23-year-old male from Neoga, IL – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

PRELIMINARY:      

• Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on US HWY 45, just north of Rickelman Avenue.  Unit 2 was traveling southbound at the same location. For unknown reasons, Unit 1 crossed the center line and struck the front of Unit 2.  The driver of Unit 1 was flown to a regional hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.  The driver of Unit 2 was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life threatening injures. US HWY 45 was closed for approximately 5 hours during the crash investigation. This is an on-going investigation and no further information is available at this time.