MARION COUNTY, IL — Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon reports that just before 5pm Wednesday evening, a passenger car traveling at a high rate of speed, southbound on Interstate 57 near the Kinmundy exit, left the roadway for an unknown reason, crossed the right shoulder and ditch, ascended the embankment and struck a tree in the west fence line.

The vehicle was occupied by three adults and two small children from Wisconsin and Mississippi. All three adults (male driver and two female passengers) were killed immediately on impact. The two small children were flown to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St Louis; one in stable condition, the other serious.

Initial investigation has determined the group was traveling from Wisconsin to Mississippi and were relatives, but not immediate family. Coroner Cannon says contact has been made with family members and the initial notification made, but names and ages of those involved will not be released until morning. Cannon has scheduled a forensic autopsy for Thursday in Urbana on the body of the driver to determine whether an unknown medical condition may have contributed to the accident. Illinois State Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies, Illinois Department of Transportation, Kinmundy/Alma Fire & EMS, and Kocher Autobody and Towing all assisted at the scene, and Marion County ESDA assisted with traffic control.

Crouse Funeral Home is assisting the families with local arrangements.