2-Vehicle Crash with Fatalities in Shelby County

Illinois State Police Troop 7 officers report that around 5:30 pm on Wednesday, July 10, two vehicles were involved in a collision in Shelby County, resulting in two deaths.  The accident occured in rural Strasburg, at the intersection of 1200N and 3150E roads. 

Preliminary information indicates that a Polaris UTV was traveling south on County Road 3150E.  An International Truck Tractor Grain Hauler was traveling east on County Road 1200N.  The UTV disobeyed the stop sign on CR3150E at the intersection.  When the UTV entered the intersection, it struck the front of the Grain Hauler. 

One occupant from the UTV was pronounced deceased on scene.  A second occupant was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased.  A third UTV occupant was airlifted to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries.  All three from the UTV were 14-year-old females. 

The driver of the Grain Hauler was uninjured. 

At this time, State Police do not have any further information.

Stew Stras school officials responded on social media with the following statement:  

Dear Stew-Stras family

It is with deep sadness that I write this about a tragic accident that has resulted in a significant impact in our schools and in our community. Three of our incoming freshmen students were involved in this accident.  Please pray for these three students and their families.

In our Stew-Stras family, our students are like our own kids.  These students have impacted many lives inside these walls, and even more on the outside.  We are committed to doing everything we can to help our students and community.

We want to invite our students and staff into the library at 4:00 today, Thursday, July 11.  We will have counselors there and refreshments.  This will be an opportunity for those students and staff to process and be supported in a caring environment with their school family.  All students from Stew-Stras, Trinity, Windsor, and those with close connections are welcome.

We are inviting the community and anyone else wanting to show support to a prayer vigil tonight, Thursday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stew Stras High School Gym.  Everyone is welcome to attend to support the families and support each other through this difficult time. Pastors from the churches these students and families attend will lead this vigil. 

Continued Prayers,

Justin Deters

In addition, out of respect for the victims and families, the Strasburg Homecoming events on Saturday have been cancelled, including the 5k Run and Tractor Pull.