Local News

Three Injured in Accident on Friday Near Brownstown

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:35:57 CST

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident on Friday, Jan. 17, on Interstate 70 west of Brownstown.

According to the Illinois State Police, a juvenile was westbound while fleeing from a Police Officer who was attempting to conduct a traffic stop. Investigators say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control while crossing an elevated bridge. The car then hit a guardrail head on.

While attempting to slow down, a second vehicle, driven by Cliff Edwards of Centreville, swerved to avoid striking the first car, which was partially in the left lane facing the wrong direction. Edwards' vehicle hit the rear passenger side of the first vehicle and the guardrail simultaneously. The first car came to rest between both westbound lanes. Edwards' car came to a stop in the left lane.

Edwards, 19, was taken to Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia and was later released. The juvenile driver and his passenger, 38-year-old Brian Roedl of Vandalia, both suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries. They were also taken to Fayette County Hospital.

The accident occurred at 6:15 p.m. Charges are pending.