Authorities said several people were injured following a multi vehicle accident involving a semi tractor and tanker trailer Thursday afternoon on IL 26 near Winneshiek Road in rural Freeport.
Freeport, IL.- Several people were injured following a multi vehicle accident Thursday afternoon on IL 26 near Freeport.
The accident occurred on August 27 near Winneshiek Road while Illinois Department of Transportation crews were working along the highway.
According to authorities, several vehicles were stopped in the southbound lanes as IDOT crews painted roadway lines.
A semi tractor pulling a tanker trailer approached the stopped traffic and struck the rear of one vehicle, pushing it into another vehicle.
The semi and the first vehicle then left the roadway and entered a cemetery on the east side of IL 26.
Before coming to a stop, the semi also struck a third vehicle from behind and pushed it into a ditch on the west side of the highway.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, and firefighters had to extricate the driver of the first vehicle from the wreckage.
Several drivers and passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities said their injuries were not believed to be life threatening.
The semi driver was identified as 30 year old Scott Messina.
Authorities charged Messina with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He was later released with a mandatory court appearance.
IL 26 remained closed for approximately two hours while emergency crews assisted those involved, investigators examined the scene, and crews cleared the roadway.
The accident remains under investigation.
Have you been injured in a truck accident? A personal injury attorney will help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.