Van Carrying 10 People Runs Off I-57 South of Effingham Monday Evening (UPDATE)

Several people were injured Monday evening when a minivan ran off Southbound I-57, south of the south trilevel at Effingham.

The incident happened at 7:10pm. Illinois State Police report the van left the roadway on the right shoulder at the curve just past the trilevel. Effingham Fire Chief Bob Tutko said it appears the vehicle rolled, but ended back on its wheels. Police report the driver of the van, 40-year-old Kimyada Hunter of Marianna, Arkansas, told them an unknown vehicle in the left lane swerved and nearly struck the van. Hunter said she swerved to miss the other vehicle and left the roadway.

(A PHOTO FROM THE SCENE COURTESY OF FIRE CHIEF BOB TUTKO)

There were 10 people in the van, ranging in age from adults to children. A seven-year-old was airlifted from the scene to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Another occupant was initially to be taken by ambulance to the helipad at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and then airlifted from there for treatment, but later was not airlifted. Other passengers were also injured. 32-year-old Deidra Miller of Bellwood, 28-year-old Markem Clark of Chicago, 26-year-old Yakita Hunter of Marianna, Arkansas, and 18-year-old Miracle Hunter of Marianna, Arkansas were all taken for treatment, and a four-year-old, and two two-year-olds were also injured and were taken for treatment.

Kimyada Hunter was cited for improper lane usage, four counts of failure to secure a child in a child restraint device, and operation of an uninsured motor vehicle. Markem Clark was cited for failure to wear a seatbelt. Deidra Miller was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol.

Effingham Fire Department was assisted by Shumway Fire Protection District, Abbott EMS and Illinois State Police.

The southbound lanes of the interstate remained open throughout the incident.