MURPHYSBORO, IL — The sheriff’s office in Jackson County is investigating a two-vehicle crash that happened early Sunday morning on Highway 4 near the intersection of Sparrow Road just west of Ava.

According to a press release, when deputies arrived at the scene, they found a black 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by 32-year-old Alicia Pence of Murphysboro and a white 2019 Chevy Cruze driven by 19-year-old Jacob Hoover of Steeleville. Hoover also had two passengers in his vehicle – 19-year-old Chloe Gordon and 19-year-old Andrew Gerlach – both of Steeleville.

Officials say Pence’s Equinox was stationary in the roadway and positioned perpendicular to the two lanes of travel obstructing both lanes. As Hoover’s Cruze approached the Equinox going west, Hoover was unable to see any lighting from the front or rear of the Equinox and collided with it.

Gordon was airlifted from the scene for treatment at a St. Louis area hospital. Hoover and Pence were both taken from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. All injuries sustained in the collision are believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.

It’s unknown why Pence’s Equinox was stopped in the roadway. Pence was cited for improper lane usage and DUI.