CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Authorities in Champaign are reaching out for public assistance following a severe two-car collision that has left one individual with significant injuries and three others hurt.
The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. on Monday night, when the cars collided on Anthony Drive near its intersection with Walters Drive. The gravity of the situation was underscored by a friend of one of the injured, who admitted that the news was difficult to accept.
“Just be a little safer, you know, in the street,” urged Tman, a friend of the crash victim. He explained that someone had pulled out in front of his friend’s car, causing him to lose control while trying to swerve and avoid a collision. This led to the vehicle spinning out and sustaining considerable damage.
According to the police, the impact of the crash was severe enough that one of the vehicles flipped over onto its side, leaving a trail of shattered glass and tire marks behind.
“I just wanted to make sure he was okay. And whoever he hit was okay,” said Tman. “I could have been riding with them in the backseat. I probably wouldn’t even have made it because it was so balled up.”
After one car flipped, a 41-year-old man was thrown out, placing him in critical condition.
“The damage to them tells quite a story. And, you know, it’s pretty significant damage on the vehicles. Always shocking to see what can happen in one of those types of accidents,” said Champaign Police Lieutenant Aaron Lack.
Lack said a detective is working to piece together the scene, and figure out what exactly happened here.
“There’s a lot of training that goes into that, that involves math and physics and data collection and technology, that they’re very well specialized in it. And so, you know, their hope is to always find the truth about what happened,” said Lack.
And as pieces of debris are picked up, Tman said drivers need to be more alert.
“You got to do better. You got to do better,” said Tman.
Lack also said this crash shows that drivers need to be more focused behind the wheel, reduce speeds and make sure that everyone driving is sober. If you have any information that may help with this investigation, contact Champaign Police at 217-351-4545. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Champaign County Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-8477 (TIPS).