CLAY CO., Ill. - A two-vehicle collision on old Route 50 in Flora could have been a lot worse, as it was a near-head-on collision, and alcohol transportation was cited.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities; first responders, however, needed to cut the vehicle of one of the drivers - an elderly man - away from him in order to get him free of the wreckage.
Illinois State Police in District 12 were brought in to work the collision, which happened Sunday, January 13, at 10:40 a.m. on Old Route 50 just east of Cedar Elm Drive, Flora.
ISP said preliminary investigative details indicate that a 2013 black GMC SUV being driven by Rylan Flood, 30, of Flora, was traveling eastbound at this location. A 1987 Ford pickup being driven by Don Ellis, 80, of Xenia, was traveling westbound on Old 50 just west of Country Club Road. Both vehicles met near a curve in the roadway. Flood's vehicle began to negotiate the curve and suddenly swerved hard left, crossing the center line, into the westbound lane, striking Ellis' truck partially head-on.
Both vehicles came to a rest on the westbound shoulder. ISP reports Ellis required extrication from his pickup. Ellis, as well as Flood and a passenger in Flood's vehicle, Johnie Jenkins, 38, of Mt. Vernon, were transported by ambulance to Clay County Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries.
Flood was subsequently cited for Improper Lane Usage, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Crash, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt. Both Flood and Jenkins were cited for Illegal Transportation of Alcohol (open container/packaging), although no DUI was issued.