ISP FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by the Illinois State Police District 17
WHAT: Six Unit Fatal Traffic Crash
WHERE: Interstate 80 westbound west of 13th Road (milepost 86.75), LaSalle County
WHEN: Sept. 25, 2020 at approximately 9:22 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1: 2014 Black Freightliner Box Truck
Unit 2: Unknown (Pending Investigation)
Unit 3: 2018 White Dodge Grand Caravan
Unit 4: 2004 Black Dodge Dakota
Unit 5: 2018 White Dodge Ram 3500
Unit 6: 2007 Red Volvo Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer Combination
DRIVER: Unit 1: Raymond J. Ramel, 64-year-old male of Manhattan, IL (Transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries)
Unit 2: 39-year-old male of Joliet, IL (Transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries)
Unit 3: 47-year-old female of LaSalle, IL (Deceased, Pending next of kin notification)
Unit 4: Debra M. Herkes, 55-year-old-female of Naplate, IL (Transported to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries)
Unit 5: Phillip G. Vincent, 68-year-old male of Jackson, MI
Unit 6: Marnell M. Briggs, 43-year-old male of Alsip, IL
PASSENGER: Unit 2: 43-year-old male of Joliet, IL (Deceased, Pending next of kin notification)
Unit 5: Sherry L. Vincent, 68-year-old female of Jackson, MI
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Due to construction on Interstate 80 westbound west of 13th Road (milepost 86.75), traffic was slow/stopped. Units 1, 2, 3, and 4 were in lane 3. Units 5 and 6 were in lane 2. Unit 1 which was carrying automobile batteries failed to reduce speed upon approaching slow/stopped traffic and struck Units 2, 3, and 4. Due to the impact from the crash, Units 1, 2, 3, and 4 became fully engulfed in flames. Unit 5 had damage to the rear and front middle while Unit 6 had rear end damage. The occupants of Units 5 and 6 refused medical attention on scene.
At approximately 9:24 a.m., all westbound lanes of traffic were closed for the traffic crash investigation and cleanup of debris. All westbound traffic was diverted off the Interstate to milepost 90. At approximately 2:37 p.m., all lanes were reopened. The investigation is ongoing, and there is no further information at this time.
CHARGES: Pending investigations
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