One truck driver was killed and a second seriously injured in a fiery head-on crash involving two semis on I 57 northbound just north of the Ina exit late Saturday night.
State Police say preliminary information indicates that for unknown reasons, a southbound semi crossed through the median and into the northbound lanes where it struck an oncoming semi head-on. Both trucks caught fire as a result of the crash. Jefferson Fire Protection District reports both the cabs and tractors were destroyed.
One of the drivers was pronounced dead on the scene by Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse. The other was taken to a Mt. Vernon hospital and then airlifted to a regional hospital by Air Evac medical helicopter. He received major injuries, including burns. The names of the two drivers have not yet been released.
Jefferson Fire reports there were no hazardous materials involved, with one of the trucks hauling meat and the other auto parts.
State Police reports northbound I-57 was diverted to Route 37 from shortly after the crash at 11:34 Saturday night until 10:30 Sunday morning to allow for cleanup.
Jefferson Fire called Mt. Vernon, Benton, and Woodlawn firemen to the scene to battle the fire and assist the victims. Wayne City, Kell, and Bluford Firemen stood by at the Jefferson Fire Station in the event of another call.
