Two Injured in Crash East of Altamont

Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash just after midnight Tuesday morning east of Altamont.

Effingham County Sheriff's Department reports a car driven by 17-year-old Justice Beck of Altamont was eastbound about a half-mile east of Route 128 on the south end of Altamont. Deputies say Beck exited a curve and lost control of the vehicle. The car skidded out of control and left the roadway to the right. The car crossed a residential yard, struck a tree with the front of the vehicle and also struck a utility pole with the driver's side rear of the car. 

The vehicle came to rest upright in the yard, then caught fire in the engine compartment.

Beck was injured, along with a passenger, 21-year-old Brandon Bryan of Effingham. Bryan was airlifted from the scene to HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, and Beck was taken by ground ambulance to St. Anthony's. 

Beck was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid the crash and no valid driver's license.

Altamont Fire Department, Altamont Electric Department, Arch Air, and Abbott EMS all assisted sheriff's deputies at the scene.