FRANKLIN CO., Ill. - The severe thunderstorm that rolled through the southern part of the state last night is being cited as the cause of a single-vehicle accident on Route 149 in Franklin County.
Illinois State Police in District 13 advised that while the damage to the vehicle was extensive, the driver, Jackie L. Stacey, 45, of Royalton, received only non-incapacitating injuries. The accident occurred at 7:45 p.m. last night (Thursday, June 29) when the bulk of the backside of the storm was impinging on the south counties area.
Preliminary investigative details indicate that Stacey, driving a 2011 Honda Fit, was westbound on Illinois Route 149, a half-mile east of River Road in the thunderstorm. Visibility had degraded to the point where Stacey could not see and stopped her vehicle in the roadway.
While stopped, a large tree fell on top of the Honda. Damage to the vehicle included the entire front end, windshield and roof. The vehicle was towed from the scene due to damage.
Stacey was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.