Fatal Crash South of Effingham Overnight

A fatal crash occurred south of Effingham overnight.

Emergency crews were called to US Route 45 at 650th Avenue, the West Salt Creek Bridge, 1-1/2 miles south of Percival Springs Airport, around midnight Sunday night.  Authorities found a pickup truck driven by 32-year-old Joshua Wassom of Deland had run off the highway to the right, came back on the road and traveled across both lanes and then run off to the left.  The pickup ran down a ravine, struck several trees and overturned.  Wassom was ejected from the vehicle with the vehicle coming to rest on top of him.

Wassom was pronounced dead at the scene.

Illinois State Police, the Effingham County Sheriff's Office and the Effingham County Coroner's Office were involved in the investigation.  Watson Fire Protection District firefighters were called to the scene at 12:10am today.  Watson Fire Chief Matt Kulesza said Route 45 was down to one lane travel for three hours.  Shumway firefighters staffed the Watson station in case of another call.