Mechanical difficulties forced a Canton man and his family to pull their RV to the side of the road on Monday. While the 35 year-old driver of the RV worked under the vehicle to make repairs, a semi truck collided with them on the shoulder of Interstate 39. The resulting injuries cost the RV driver his life and sent the three passengers, a woman and two children, as well as the semi driver to the hospital.
As he approached the RV, the semi driver moved from the left lane to the right. His vehicle travelled too far to the right and struck the back of the RV. The RV dragged its helpless driver 80 feet after the impact. The tractor trailer continued for more than 300 feet after the initial collision. Emergency personnel responded, but could do little to help the driver of the RV who was pronounced dead at the scene of the truck accident.
At this point, it is unclear what caused the semi driver to drift far enough right to strike the RV. Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. Criminal charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The RV driver’s loved ones are left to cope with the tragedy. As with many serious accidents involving semi trucks, the damage, including loss of life, was catastrophic. Fortunately, the injuries suffered by the occupants of the RV were not life-threatening.
Source: Rochelle News-Leader, “Interstate accident claims man’s life,” 7 June, 2011
