Two People Injured in Tuesday Morning Crash - UPDATED

Two cars collided Tuesday morning, with two people taken for treatment.

The crash happened at 11:02am on US Route 40 at 1600th Street between Effingham and Teutopolis. 

Effingham County Sheriff's Office reports a pickup truck driven by 72-year-old Paul Lawhead of Teutopolis was traveling north on 1600th Street. Lawhead told authorities that he thought the intersection was clear and headed into the intersection. 

A car driven by 81-year-old Rita Kemme of Effingham was westbound on Route 40 and attempted to avoid a collision, but struck the Lawhead vehicle.

Lawhead and Kemme were injured. Lawhead was treated by Rural Med EMS at the scene and released. Kemme was taken by Rural Med for treatment to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Lawhead was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid the crash.

This story was updated on 7/10/2024 to correct the initial report of an injured 16 year-old in the Lawhead vehicle.  There was no juvenile involved.