Police withhold identity of driver killed in wreck east of Cape Girardeau

Authorities still have not released the identity of a driver killed Monday in a four-vehicle crash on Illinois Highway 146, according to trooper Bridget Rice of the Illinois State Police.

The fatal wreck occurred around 6:30 p.m. just east of Cape Girardeau when a sport utility vehicle traveling eastbound on the road crossed the center lane of traffic, striking a tractor-trailer.

The impact caused the SUV to burst into flames, spin into the left passing lane and hit a third vehicle. Three passengers of that vehicle were taken to Saint Francis Medical Center for treatment. A fourth car struck some debris left from the crash.

The crash is still being investigated, Rice said.

Rice would not disclose the gender of the deceased, pending notification of family members.

Firefighters from Cape Girardeau and McClure, Ill., police from Cape Girardeau and deputies from the Alexander County Sheriff's Department assisted with the rescue effort at the scene of the accident.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245

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