The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 13

WHAT:  Two Semi Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE: I57 North Bound at Mile Post 63, Franklin County

WHEN: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 3:50 A.M.

VEHICLES: 2014 Freightliner in 5 axle combination and a 2016 Freightliner in 5 axle combination

DRIVERS: 2014 – Michael James McGarvey – a 36 year old male of Morristown, TN – Minor Injuries – Refused treatment at the scene. 2016 – Martin Brouillette, a 34 year old male of Trois Rivieres, Newfoundland, Canada – Extricated from the vehicle by West Frankfort Fire Department with Incapacitating Injuries – Flown from the scene via medical helicopter to a regional hospital.

PASSENGERS: 2016 – Josie Anne Bellaire-Robert, a 27 year old female of Trois Rivieres, Newfoundland, Canada – Extricated from the vehicle by West Frankfort Fire Department with Non-Incapacitating Injuries – Transported via ambulance to a local hospital.

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate the 2014 Freightliner was north bound on I57 at mile post 63 when the driver advised he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway. McGarvery lost control and overturned in the roadway with the Freightliner’s undercarriage facing northbound traffic. The 2016 Freightliner’s driver was unable to see the overturned vehicle and struck the vehicle without slowing. The impact caused the trailer of the 2014 Freightliner to be ripped open violently spewing the contents, which included auto parts, across approximately 100 yards of I57 North Bound.

I57 North bound was closed for approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes for scene clean up and crash investigation.

CHARGES: McGarvey was charged with Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Crash and Improper Lane Usage.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.