HEAD-ON CRASH ON ATLAS HILL SENDS FOUR TO HOSPITAL

ATLAS, Ill. — Four people were injured Friday evening following a head-on collision involving a passenger vehicle and a semi tractor-trailer on U.S. Highway 54 near Atlas.

According to the Pike County, Illinois Sheriff's Department, deputies were dispatched at 7:54 p.m. Friday to Atlas Hill, about one mile east of Atlas, after receiving reports of a head-on crash involving the two vehicles.

The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the passenger vehicle crossed the center line and struck the semi tractor-trailer on the driver's side front corner.

The driver of the passenger vehicle, identified as Jaimie L. Rhode of Griggsville, and two passengers were transported to Illini Community Hospital before later being transferred by ground ambulance to other hospitals. Authorities said deteriorating weather prevented medical helicopters from responding.

The driver of the semi tractor-trailer, Michael R. Richardson of Robstown, Texas, was also transported by law enforcement to Illini Community Hospital for treatment.

The Pike County, Illinois Sheriff's Department said the crash remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were Pike County EMS, the Pleasant Hill and Spring Creek Fire Departments, the Pittsfield Fire Department, Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Pittsfield Police Department, the Pike County, Missouri Sheriff's Office and the Pike County Emergency Management Agency.