Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

October 22, 2009

Mt. Vernon man injured in Interstate 57 accident

Staff Report

MT. VERNON — A Mt. Vernon man was taken to a St. Louis hospital from the scene of an accident by helicopter after sustaining major injuries in a car accident on Interstate 57 at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday.

The Illinois State Police states that Larry F. Holt, 28, was reportedly traveling north at a high rate of speed and making dangerous lane changes. He ran into the rear of a car driven by Martha O. Wortmann, 64, of Columbia, near mile marker 90, causing his vehicle to turn over onto the driver’s side and slide down the pavement of the interstate.

Wortmann’s vehicle was pushed into the back of a semi-trailer, which received minor damage.

Police state Holt, who was not wearing his seat belt, received major injuries and was transported to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Wortmann, who was wearing a seat belt, received minor injuries and was transported to Crossroads Community Hospital. The semi truck driver was not injured.

Interstate 57 northbound lanes were closed over two hours while emergency crews dealt with the accident. Those responding to the accident in addition to the ISP were the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Fire Protection District, Secretary of State Police and Littons Ambulance Service.

Holt was ticketed on failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, speeding, unlawful use of a weapon, no seat belt and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Text Only
Local