2-vehicle crash temporarily shuts down Interstate 39; 1 hospitalized

A two-vehicle crash Thursday involving a semitrailer and an SUV shut down Interstate 39 near Tonica, and a vehicle passenger was taken to a hospital, the Tonica Fire Department said Friday.

The fire department said it was dispatched at 5:58 p.m. Thursday to the southbound lanes of the interstate. While Tonica crews were en route, Oglesby Ambulance Service was requested to provide advanced lifesaving support intervention.

Upon arrival, fire and emergency medical services personnel found the SUV with front-end damage after a collision with the rear of a semitrailer.

“The front-seat passenger was trapped inside the heavily damaged vehicle,” the Tonica Fire Department said.

Because of the severity of injuries and the damage to the vehicle, OSF LifeFlight was dispatched to the scene.

The southbound lanes of I-39 were closed at mile marker 48 to allow for the medical helicopter to land, and the person was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for further medical treatment.

The other individuals involved in the crash refused medical treatment, the Tonica Fire Department said.

Tonica Volunteer Fire and EMS was assisted by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office’s dispatch, the Tonica Police Department, Oglesby Ambulance Service, OSF LifeFlight and Senica Towing Service.

The crash is under investigation.