ISP INVESTIGATES FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 19

WHAT:                      Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Interstate 64 eastbound at Milepost 96, Four Mile Township, Wayne County

WHEN:                      Jan 6, 2022 at approximately 9:27 a.m.

VEHICLES:              Unit 1 – Silver 2004 Chrysler Town and Country Van

                                    Unit 2 – Black 2021 International Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer

DRIVERS:                 Unit 1 – A 26-year-old male from Evansville, IN - Deceased

                                    Unit 2 – Austin J. Howell, a 23-year-old male from Joliet, IL – Refused medical attention

PRELIMINARY:      Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 at Milepost 96 in Wayne County. Unit 2 was traveling eastbound on Interstate 64 in the same area. Unit 1 lost control, left the westbound lanes, traveled through the center median, and entered the eastbound lanes. Unit 1 struck Unit 2 head-on. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased.  The driver of Unit 2 refused medical attention.  The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit (TCRU) is continuing the investigation. No further information will be disseminated at this time.