ASSUMPTION, Ill. – A tragic accident that happened on Tuesday morning, July 12, 2022, claimed the life of a 16-year-old male and left three others in hospital with serious injuries. According to a police report, the fatal crash took place in Christian County.
What happened to Central A&M Students?
State Police reported that a 46-year-old man from Decatur was going southbound on US Route 51 while the adolescents were stopped at a stop sign on Leafland Street at that intersection. The teen’s vehicle drove out into the intersection and was struck by the truck; the driver was unharmed. Four of the teenagers were transported to the hospital—three by helicopter and one by ambulance.
After being evacuated to a local hospital, the 16-year-old was eventually declared dead. According to authorities, two passengers, a 15-year-old from Tower Hill, Illinois, and a 14-year-old man from Assumption, Illinois, were both airlifted to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries, while a third passenger, a 14-year-old from Assumption, was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital with serious injuries as well.
According to ISP District 9 Troopers, the collision occurred on Tuesday morning at 6:30. According to the police report, the 16-year-old’s car entered the intersection for an unclear cause. Christian County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the four victims were Central A&M students. The current state of the three pupils who made it through the day and into the evening is unknown.
Gregory Elementary School and Central A&M High School Principal’s Statement
Following the incident, Charlie Brown, principal of Gregory Elementary School and Central A&M High School, issued the following statement: “We are just gathering as a school and community waiting word like everyone else. We have counselors and ministers available to our students and have had several students in and out this morning and early afternoon. Our community supports our Raiders 100 percent.”
“People are here to offer support and prayers for our four students and their families, as well as each other. Moweaqua Foods, Crawfords, and Casey’s provided food for all who are here. Blessed to be in this community.” The principal stated.
The cause of the collision is still being looked into.
