The identities of two Springfield residents who were killed in a collision with a semi-tractor trailer on Wednesday were released. The fatal truck crash involved the driver and passenger of a Pontiac Grand Prix which crossed the median on Interstate 70 and was struck by a semi-trailer in the westbound lanes. The driver of the semi suffered only minor injuries in the accident.
The accident closed I-70 for almost 6 hours Friday afternoon and evening as emergency workers and accident reconstruction experts worked on the scene. Illinois State Police have concluded that the driver of the Grand Prix lost control of the vehicle and went through the tall grass, small trees and slope of the median to enter the westbound lanes of I-70. The semi-tractor was in the process of passing another vehicle and was traveling in the far left lane, headed west.
Preliminary reports indicated that the semi driver may not have had time to avoid the collision because his view of the incoming Pontiac was obstructed. As of yet, no citations have been issued in connection with the incident. The investigation continues into what caused the Pontiac driver to lose control and cross the median.
Upon impact, the Pontiac became trapped underneath the semi and lodged there. Both the driver and the passenger of the Pontiac were killed in the collision. As with many truck accidents, the damage to the car and its passengers was catastrophic.
Source: Belleville News-Democrat, “Police release names of two people killed in I-70 crash,” 3 June, 2011
