MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — In a routine that mirrored most mornings, a Central Illinois woman set out to cross the street on her way to work last week. However, this ordinary commute nearly turned tragic, as witnesses describe a harrowing brush with fate.
According to bystanders, Mariah Curry was involved in an accident last Wednesday when a vehicle struck her at the corner of Washington and Market Streets in the heart of Monticello.
Melissa Pratt, the owner of Legends Corner, a local eatery where Curry works as a cook, recounted the shocking incident as it unfolded just as they were heading in for their shifts.
Pratt explained that she initiated the crosswalk signal over Market Street. With the lights flashing, both she and Curry began to cross.
“I was right next to her, but had paused extra, so I was like one step behind her,” said Pratt.
Pratt said that’s when a truck hit Curry, causing her to be seriously hurt.
“She broke her hip and some facial bones, totally bruised from head to toe, and she’s got a long recovery ahead of her,” said Pratt.
The restaurant owner said while this is the first time one of her employees has been hit, it’s far from the first close call.
“The sad thing is that a lot of people have almost been hit crossing this roadway, including myself and other workers of mine,” said Pratt.
She said drivers routinely ignore the signs and flashing lights, barreling through the crosswalk.
“I just hope that people will pause and, you know, show some caution and stuff when it concerns areas, especially during heavy times when people are going to and fro,” said Pratt.
Pratt said Curry is preparing for intense physical therapy, and she said she’s ready for the challenge.
“She said if she could come to work now and chop lettuce in a chair she would, because she’s very self-reliant,” said Pratt. “I’ve really never quite seen somebody that is such a hard worker.”
Friends of Curry’s have started a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses. You can find that link here. I reached out to Monticello Police to find out what, if anything, happened with the other driver. I have not heard back at this time.