Fiery Fatal Crash in Fayette County

A person was killed in a fiery crash during the noon hour Thursday in Fayette County.

The crash occurred about 12:46pm when an automobile traveling north on US Route 51 near County Road 1000 North left the roadway to the west, traveled down an embankment into a ravine, crashed into a creek, then burst into flames.

Fayette County Coroner Bruce Bowen said the occupant of the vehicle was burned beyond recognition. Bowen pronounced the occupant dead at the scene at 1:20pm. An autopsy is set for today to determine the official cause of death, and to positively identify the victim.

The Vandalia Fire Department was called to the scene to extinguish the fire and to assist with extrication of the victim. 

Bowen said the name of the victim will be released as soon as a positive identification is made.