A 41-year-old man was injured in an accident that occurred on Monday, February 10, around 4 p.m. in the afternoon. The accident occurred on the northside of Effingham on I-57 SB/I-70 WB approximately a half-mile to the east of mile marker 161.

According to reports by the Illinois State Police, Richard K. Beagle of Effingham was driving in the center lane of the interstate. He approached a semi who was in the lane to his left and attempted to pass the truck.

The semi driver, 42-year-old David T. Blalock of Brinkley, Arkansas tried to enter the center lane and crashed into Beagle’s vehicle. The semi then continued to push the car with Beagle still inside for about another quarter of a mile from the initial accident point.

Effingham firefighters were called for assistance at the scene with the Illinois State Police. The Effingham Fire Chief, Bob Tutko, mentioned that a firefighter and his wife, who were from Texas, stopped and helped Beagle escape from his car after the accident.

Beagle was transported by Abbott Ambulance from the scene to St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital located in Effingham. There has not been any indication as to the severity of the injuries he sustained in the accident.

Blalock was not injured in the accident.

Blalock was cited by the Illinois State Police for improper lane usage by a semi-truck. The fine for improper lane usage in the state of Illinois is a fine up to $1000. Since it was in accompaniment to a vehicle accident, there could be more aggressive penalties.

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