A Virden teen was killed and another man injured in a head-on wreck Wednesday afternoon on a state highway north of Girard, according to State of Illinois authorities.
Eighteen-year-old Colby T. Rheude was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred shortly before 2:15 p.m. Wednesday on Illinois 4, the Illinois State Police reported. The other driver involved in the wreck also suffered injuries, though car accident reports describe the wounds as minor.
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
Rheude at 2:12 p.m. Wednesday was driving south on Illinois 4 near Finney Road when he lost control of his pickup truck, troopers said. Rheude’s vehicle went across the highway’s centerline and crashed head-on into a semi-tractor trailer heading northbound on Illinois 4, according to car accident reports.
Rheude’s vehicle burst into flames, eventually coming to rest in a ditch near the highway, authorities said. The semi, operated by 51-year-old Walter F. Smith, of Peoria, also rolled into a ditch, according to the state police.
Rheude was pronounced dead at the scene before he could be transported by emergency medical personnel to an area hospital for treatment, authorities said. Smith, meanwhile, was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described by troopers as not life-threatening.
Car accident reports do not state whether authorities have formed a theory about what led Rheude to lose control of his vehicle. The Illinois State Police continues to investigate the collision.
A candlelight vigil was held by Rheude’s family and friends Thursday night. The group met at the headquarters of the Virden Fire Department before walking to Rheude’s family home, local media outlets reported.
Disclaimer: The Safety Watch article you just read includes information obtained from numerous sources. These sources include, but are not limited to, websites and press releases from law enforcement, the county coroner, fire departments, and other news outlets. While we strive to provide readers with the most accurate information, sometimes the information received is not entirely accurate. For complete details, please refer to an official police report.
The articles published contain sensitive subject matter that may be hard to read by some. We understand that losing a loved one is hard and devastating. Safety Watch’s decision to share the stories is to help others who may be facing the same situations by providing appropriate resources to the general public.