HEAD ON CRASH KILLS TWO
A head-on car crash killed two and left one in serious condition, early Sunday morning. Courtney Sherfy and Tara Wilson, both 20, of Granite City, were passengers in a 91 Accord driven by 23 year-old Benjamin Nicolas of Granite City. According to the Illinois State Police, Nicolas lost control of his Accord, crossed the center line and collided with an SUV. Authorities believe neither woman was wearing a seatbelt. No one in the SUV was hurt. Wilson and Sherfy both died in the crash and Nicolas was in serious condition Sunday. Collinsville police said they suspected alcohol contributed to the crash.
WEATHER TURNS ROADS INTO SAFETY HAZZARDS
During the first snowfall of the season, Illinois State Troopers from District 11 were busy. During the early morning snowfall, they responded to over sixty crashes with dozens of motorists in the ditch. According to Master Trooper Talph Timmons, police had over two dozen troopers already at crash locations with over 50 additional pending. District Commander Jerry Culp noted, most crashes were on bridges and overpasses. He reminded drivers that SUV's and four wheel drive vehicles will not stop any faster than a two wheel drive vehicle. Trooper Timmons added, the majority of the crashes were property damage and the most serious injuries occurred when motorists got out of their vehicles and were struck by other vehicles.
JERSEY COUNTY TOWN EVACUATED
According to the Illinois State Police, last Friday, in White Hall, in Jersey County, State Police units responded and were able to locate the source of an anhydrous ammonia leak out in a farmer's field. The farmer estimated a release of about 1500 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. It was determined that during application of the anhydrous, a hose busted and caused the leak. Fire personnel doused the spill, which began to dissipate immediately, reducing the danger of explosion. The northwest corner of White Hall was affected and evacuated. During the incident, a trooper inhaled some of the anhydrous ammonia vapor and was treated at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.
