**
EFFINGHAM CO., Ill.—A traffic crash this morning has claimed the life of a young woman from Watson in Effingham County.
Brittany N. Baker, 18, of Watson, was pronounced dead at the scene of a wreck on U.S. Route 45 at Effingham County Road 1000 East this morning (Thursday, December 5, 2013), at 7:37 a.m.
The other vehicle involved, a Mercury Mountaineer being driven by Melly Hofer of Effingham, was northbound on 45 just south of Effingham CR 1000 East, when according to Illinois State Police, Hofer crossed the center line and struck Baker’s 2001 Nissan 4-door passenger car head-on.
ISP reports that both drivers were wearing their seatbelts.
Hofer was transported to Effingham St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, then transferred to Carle Hospital in Urbana. She was later cited for improper lane usage.
The Illinois State Police was assisted at the scene by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, Effingham County/City Ambulance Service, Watson Fire Department, Effingham Fire Department, Effingham County Coroner’s Office, and Tri Power Towing.