Four Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash in Heartville

Four people were injured in a three-vehicle crash in Heartville Thursday afternoon.

The crash happened just before 5pm on US Route 45 in front of Y-Yard at 850th Avenue. Effingham County Sheriff's Department reported that vehicles driven by 79-year-old Howard Webster of Mason, 44-year-old Bradley Austin of Watson and 26-year-old Wesley Hatfill of Effingham were all southbound on the highway. Hatfill's vehicle slowed to a stop to turn left onto 850th Avenue and Austin's vehicle stopped behind Hatfill, but Webster's vehicle did not stop in time and rear-ended the Austin vehicle, pushing Austin's unit into the back of the Hatfill vehicle.

Webster's passenger, 79-year-old Bonnie Webster of Mason, Austin and his passenger, 12-year-old Bradley Austin, Jr. of Watson, and Hatfill were all injured. All four were taken to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham for treatment.

Sheriff's deputies cited Howard Webster for failure to reduce speed to avoid the crash.