ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police
District 12
WHAT: Two Vehicle Injury Traffic Crash
WHERE: US 50 Eastbound at Radio Tower Road, Marion County
WHEN: April 19, 2020 at 5:28 p.m.
VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2017 Grey Ford SUV – Police Vehicle
Unit 2- 1995 White Dodge Truck
DRIVERS: Unit 1-Blake Phillips, 28 year old male from Salem, IL – transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries
Unit 2- Mark Huelsmann, 41 year old male from Centralia, IL – transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1, a Salem Police Department vehicle, was eastbound on Route 50 near Radio Tower Road in Marion County. Unit 2 was also eastbound on Route 50 and was traveling in front of Unit 1. The driver of Unit 1 attempted to pass Unit 2 in order to initiate a traffic stop on an offending vehicle up ahead, at the same time Unit 2 attempted to turn left into a driveway Unit 1 tried moving back into the driving lane to avoid Unit 2 but was unsuccessful. Unit 1 struck Unit 2 in the passenger side rear bumper. Both drivers were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The roadway was closed for approximately 1.5 hours during the crash investigation.