MAKANDA, IL  — A fatal, three-vehicle accident happened in Jackson County early Friday morning.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies along with Illinois State Police and other area emergency responder’s were sent to the crash scene on U.S. Highway 51 south of Makanda Road in rural Makanda just after 12:30 a.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed a southbound vehicle struck two northbound vehicles. One person was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office. A second person was taken to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Four others were taken to local hospitals for medical attention.  A sheriff’s office crash re-constructionist was called to the scene to investigate.

No names are being released until family members are notified.