THREE KILLED IN TWO ACCIDENTS IN ILLINOIS

Two early-morning accidents that occurred in Southern Illinois Saturday resulted in three deaths and one arrest.

The accidents, which occurred in Alexander and Pulaski counties, were handled by the Illinois State Police.

Jimmy C. Mims, 22, and Courtney Phillips, 21, both of Olive Branch, Ill., were killed in an accident that occurred on Ill. Route 3 about 1.2 miles north of Rt. 127. Investigators said the accident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. when Mims, who was driving, lost control of his pickup truck and struck a tree. The accident was not discovered until approximately 6:30 a.m.

The second accident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Ill. Route 3, about 1.5 miles north of Wolf Lake, Ill. Lady Pacheco, 16, of Grand Tower, Ill., was killed after the vehicle she was traveling in struck a tree. Investigators said driver Randy Hobbs, 16, of Jonesboro, Ill., was headed northbound when he ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, crossed the roadway, slid sideways and struck a tree.

Hobbs, who sustained moderate injuries in the accident, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, no valid license due to curfew and underage consumption of alcohol.