Saline County Crash Closes Highway 45
Illinois State Police responded to a two vehicle crash involving a pickup and semi tractor trailer.
The crash, which occurred around 3:15 Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of Walnut Street and U.S. 45 in Carrier Mills, when Karen A Cole, 68 of Carrier Mills crossed the center line and after losing control of her 2002 Dodge Ram which struck the front of a semi trailer driven by Patrick Strickland, 38 of Evansville, Ind.
Strickland told authorities he tried to avoid hitting the pickup but was unable to avoid the crash.
Cole told state police she fell asleep at the wheel. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
State police were assisted at the scene by Saline County Sheriff’s Department, Carrier Mills and Harrisburg Fire Departments, Saline County Ambulance, Bishops Towing and Tri-State Towing.
Cole was cited for improper lane usage following the investigation of the crash.
