COLES COUNTY, IL — A tragic incident is under active investigation by the Coles County Sheriff’s Department following a fatal crash that took place late on the night of Tuesday, July 23. The collision occurred just after 11 p.m. on Old State Road near County Road 400 East, a stretch of road that sees moderate traffic and limited street lighting during late hours.
Deputies arrived at the scene at approximately 11:07 p.m. after receiving a dispatch report about a serious crash involving a passenger vehicle and a smaller motorbike. Upon arrival, they found a 2014 Ford SUV that had been traveling eastbound on Old State Road. The vehicle had collided with a mini bike in what authorities have described as a significant impact.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the SUV was operating within its lane when it encountered the mini bike, although full details of what led up to the crash have not been confirmed. Authorities are looking into whether visibility, speed, lighting, or road conditions played a role in the collision. They are also working to determine if the mini bike had proper lighting or reflectors required for nighttime travel.
Emergency personnel responded swiftly, and despite their efforts, the individual operating the mini bike succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash. The identity of the individual has not yet been released as officials work to notify the family. The driver of the SUV remained on scene and has been cooperating fully with law enforcement officers during the course of their inquiry.
The Coles County Sheriff’s Department has emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. They are in the process of gathering witness statements, reviewing traffic camera footage if available, and conducting thorough mechanical inspections of both the SUV and the mini bike involved. Any individuals who may have been traveling in the area at the time are encouraged to contact the authorities with any information.
Roadways in the area were temporarily closed following the crash to allow for clean-up and proper documentation of the scene. The closure lasted several hours into the early morning of July 24 as forensic teams collected evidence. Traffic was rerouted during this time, and normal road operations have since resumed.
Community members have expressed concern over the safety of that portion of Old State Road, particularly in low-visibility conditions. Some residents have called for increased lighting or clearer markings to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, especially in rural areas where lighting and infrastructure may not always be sufficient. Authorities continue to urge drivers and riders alike to use caution, remain alert, and ensure that all vehicles are equipped with necessary safety features.
As the investigation progresses, updates are expected from the Coles County Sheriff’s Department. The community awaits further details while coming to terms with the sudden loss experienced during this unfortunate event.
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