The Williamson County Coroner’s Office has released the identities of two people who were killed in an accident on February 27.
The accident occurred around 1:40 p.m. on Herrin Road at the intersection with Cundiff Cemetery Road and involved three vehicles.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident? Speak to a lawyer for a free no obligation consultation
Or call us at (888) 699-7975
82-year-old Delbert Allen of Carterville was driving eastbound on Herrin Road. He crossed the center line. He then struck a vehicle that was driving westbound head-on.
The westbound vehicle was driven by 32-year-old Rachel Sanders of Royalton. When Allen hit her head-on, she was then struck a second time by a car that was traveling westbound behind her.
The second collision in conjunction with the first caused Sanders’ vehicle to catch on fire.
Allen and Sanders were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. They sustained extensive injuries during the collision.
There was no report on the driver of the third vehicle. It is unclear if they sustained any injuries in the accident.
Autopsies of Allen and Sanders were scheduled for February 28. More information should be available after they have been completed.
During the autopsy of Allen, they will be looking for an underlying cause for the accident. They will try to find out why he crossed the center line.
They will be able to find out if alcohol or drugs were in his system. They will be able to see if it was a medical emergency prior to the accident that may have caused it.
The autopsy and examination of Sanders will be able to identify her actual cause of death from the injuries she sustained.
The Illinois State Police is responsible for conducting the Crash Reconstruction Investigation.
It is unclear if the police suspect Allen of driving under the influence. They have also not released information on the usage of seatbelts and the victims of the accident.