Thursday, March 28, 2024
This was the scene of a major multi-vehicle crash this morning on US Highway 45 north of New Burnside. @The Vienna Times

Update on Johnson County’s fatal crash

A Dawson Springs, KY man was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in northern Johnson County Wednesday morning. Three other people received major injuries and transported to area hospitals.

The crash was originally reported to Saline County 911 and then transferred to Johnson County’s 911 network at approximately 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 27.

It happened on US Highway 45 just south of the Johnson/Williamson County line in a highway construction zone.

Preliminary reports indicate that Amy Sturms, of Norris City, was stopped at the construction zone’s flagman. A semi-tractor trailer combination, driven by Christopher Jones, of Johnston City, was coming to a stop behind Sturms when a second semi-tractor trailer combination struck him from behind.

Ronald Parker, 57, of Dawson Springs, drove the second semi-tractor. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Johnson County Coroner David Rockwell.

Sturms’ vehicle was also struck from behind due to the impact of the two trucks. A passenger in Sturms’ vehicle, Amy Duncan, of Norris City, was also injured.

The conditions of those injured are not known at this time.

The crash remains under investigation by Illinois State Police.

US 45 remained closed all afternoon to allow investigators to reconstruct the accident, and remove debris. It is expected to reopen later today.