ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12
WHAT: Multiple Vehicle Personal Injury Traffic Crash
WHERE: Interstate 57/70 northbound near milepost 157, Effingham County
WHEN: July 17, 2022 at approximately 10:03 a.m.
VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2018 Black Nissan Murano
Unit 2- 2022 Blue Chrysler Pacifica
Unit 3- 2021 White Freightliner
DRIVERS: Unit 1- John Espino, 42-year-old male from Fort Worth, TX – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Unit 2- Travis Patchen, 42-year-old male from Whitehouse, OH
Unit 3- Christopher Williams, 47-year-old male from Sunrise, FL
PASSENGERS: Unit 1- Liliana Vargas, 41-year-old female from Fort Worth, TX - Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Unit 1- 14-year-old female from Fort Worth, TX - Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Unit 2- Sara Patchen, 42-year-old female from Whitehouse, OH
Unit 2- Edwin Peters, 75-year-old male from Whitehouse, OH
Unit 2- 17-year-old female from Whitehouse, OH
Unit 3- Steven Polewach, 67-year-old male from Sandusky, MI
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Units 1, 2 and 3 were all traveling north on Interstate 57/70 near mile post 157 in Effingham County. The driver of Unit 1 lost control in heavy rain and struck Unit 2. Unit 2 left the roadway to the right, slid down an embankment and onto a frontage road. Unit 1 slid out of control and was struck by Unit 3. All occupants of Unit 1 were transported by ambulance to an are hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. All other drivers and passengers reported no injuries on scene.
CHARGES: The driver of Unit 1 was cited for Driving Too Fast for Conditions.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.