Two Vehicles Washed Off Roadway, Both Drivers Safe

Two motorists are safe today after a harrowing experience Tuesday night in the south part of Effingham County.

25-year-old Jerad Sieben of Mason was traveling east on the Mason-Eberle Road just before 10pm and had just crested a hill leading into a low spot when his vehicle drove into water covering the roadway. 

Sieben's vehicle was carried off the roadway. He got out of the vehicle to where he could touch the ground and made his way out of the water. 

About that time, though, another vehicle, this one driven by 33-year-old Mandy Tonn of Mason, crested the same hill and headed downhill and into the water. Tonn's vehicle was also carried off the roadway.

Sieben yelled at Tonn to get out of her vehicle and she replied she wasn't able to swim in that type of current. Sieben then went back into the water and helped Tonn out of her vehicle. They made their way to a tree where they could hold on until they got up enough strength, and then made their way to the water's edge. Sieben had phoned his father, Kevin, who arrived at the scene and helped them to safety.

The Effingham County Dive Rescue Team was called to the scene but the team did not deploy into the water after learning that Sieben and Tonn were safe. The Effingham County Sheriff's Department and Illinois State Police also assisted at the scene.

Effingham County Chief Deputy Sheriff Paul Kuhns said both vehicles were still at the scene this morning, leading to more calls of concern from the public.

Sieben's dog, a small-statured female Pit Bull Terrier, is still missing.