Published on October 7, 2026 3:09 pm
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 3:10 pm
At approximately 10:18 A.M. today, Effingham City Police telecommunicators received multiple 9-1-1 calls advising that a male pedestrian had just been seen going over the side of the Banker Street overpass and landing near the CSX Railroad tracks. Officers arrived within minutes and located an adult male. The male had sustained obvious injuries and officers immediately initiated emergent medical care. The man was transported by Rural Med EMS ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, then flown by air ambulance to Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, for further treatment.
The Effingham Police Department is investigating the incident; at the time of occurrence, no trains were in the immediate vicinity, and there was no collision involving a train. Out of an abundance of caution, rail traffic in the area was temporarily slowed while emergency personnel responded and the scene was assessed. Foul play has been ruled out at this time. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
“Any time someone in our community is seriously injured, our thoughts are first and foremost with that individual and their loved ones,” said Chief Kurt Davis. “I am proud of the way our telecommunicators, officers, and emergency medical personnel responded with urgency, professionalism, and compassion. These are difficult calls for everyone involved, and our department will continue to do everything we can to support those affected while allowing the investigation to proceed.”
Due to patient privacy laws, no additional information regarding the patient’s condition or medical status will be released. The incident remains under investigation by Effingham City Police, and no further information will be released at this time.
