NEWSLINE: 3 SERIOUSLY HURT IN 3-CAR ACCIDENT

MAKANDA, Ill. - Three Union County residents were seriously injured Sunday in a three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 51, two miles north of the Upper Cobden Road, near the Union-Jackson county line. The accident occurred at 2:38 p.m.

Illinois State Police at Ullin said the accident occurred when a car driven south by David W. Bennett, 23, of Cobden, crossed the center line of the highway and struck an oncoming motor home driven by John Furby, 77, of Mt. Vernon, Ill. After the initial collision, police said the RV then veered into the southbound lane and struck a car driven by James Whittington, 38, of Anna.

Injured were the drivers of both cars, and a passenger in the Whittington vehicle, Sheliah Whittington, 35, of Anna.

Police said Bennett was transported by Air Evac medical helicopter to the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. The Whittingtons were transported by Life Beat helicopter to Southeast Missouri hospital.

The driver and four occupants in the motor home received minor injuries, but did not seek medical treatment.

Investigators said charges against Bennett are pending.