Driver Trapped Under Vehicle Removed (Updated)

At 6:33 p.m. Monday, Squad 561, Engine 576, Chief 500, and Service 591 responded to Keller Drive (IL Route 32/33) at Ford Avenue for a vehicle under a semi trailer with entrapment of the driver. Enroute to the scene, Chief 500 placed a Medical Helicopter on standby based on information received from multiple 9-1-1 calls.

First arriving, an Effingham Police Department officer confirmed entrapment of Lois J. Collins, 39, Cowden who struck the trailer of a semi driven by Gheorghe Ureche, 48, Willis, Minn. Upon Chief 500 arrival, ARCH 3 was requested to the scene for a medical flight for Collins. Fire companies arriving on scene first utilized a winch to pull the vehicle from partially underneath the trailer. Extrication of Collins then began with total extrication time taking 16 minutes from time of arrival. Collins was air-lifted by ARCH 3 from the scene to Carle Hospital, Urbana.

All five lanes of Keller Drive was closed to traffic and re-routed by Effingham police. Teutopolis FPD did a change of quarters with an engine to Effingham Station #1. Crews cleared the scene at 7:33 p.m. and all traffic lanes were re-opened. The investigation is on-going at this time.