Here’s the final update from ISP District 19′s Mark Zimmerman:
The fatal traffic crash that happened today, 11.21.12, occurred on Illinois Route 1 just south of Eagle Creek Lane in Gallatin County at 8:38 a.m. It involved a tan 2004 Chevy passenger car driven by Michael S. Travis, 25, of Fredonia Kentucky, and a red 1991 International Truck, driven by Harlan L. Blazier, 50, of Carmi. There were no passengers involved, and both drivers were wearing seatbelts. The crash resulted in the death of Travis; Blazier was transported to Harrisburg Medical Center for injuries.
According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the driver of the International Truck was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 1, while the driver of the Chevrolet passenger car was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 1. For unknown reasons, just south of Eagle Creek Lane, the driver of the Chevrolet passenger car crossed the center line and struck the International Truck head-on.
The driver of the Chevrolet passenger car was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the International Truck was transported by the Saline County Ambulance Service to the Harrisburg Medical Center.
SP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, the Shawneetown Fire Department, the Gallatin County Ambulance Service, the Saline County Ambulance Service, and the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office.
The aftermath of the wreck, courtesy a reader
GALLATIN CO.—There’s been a fatal accident on Illinois Highway 1 in south Gallatin County.
All we know right now is that a Kentucky man swerved and hit a tanker truck head-on.
The highway has been closed for about a half-hour (10:15); when we learn more from ISP, we’ll get it to the site here.
Approximate location of accident