I-55 accident leaves one critically injured         

[JULY 15, 2006]  LINCOLN -- A two-vehicle accident on I-55 south of Lincoln sent a Colfax woman to the hospital. Christine J. Graham, 48, and Bernard E. Bartels Jr., 60, of Cambridge Springs, PA were both south bound at 7:53 p.m. on Friday when the accident occurred.

Graham was driving southbound in a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am in the center lane of three lanes. Bartels, driving a 2004 Ford Ranger pickup, was also traveling southbound in the center lane behind the Pontiac and another unidentified vehicle. The unidentified vehicle began to brake so Bartels changed to the left lane. Graham suddenly attempted to turn left into a restricted turn around (crossover). While doing so, Graham drove directly into the path of Bartels. Bartels was unable to avoid a collision and struck the Pontiac.

Graham was extricated from the Pontiac and was transported by ambulance to Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln.
She was later transported via helicopter to Memorial Medical Center trauma unit in Springfield. Graham currently is in critical condition.

Bartels was not injured.

Graham was issued citations for Improper Lane Usage, Disobeying a Traffic Control Device, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/ Drugs.

Agencies attending the scene were the Illinois State Police, Logan County Sheriff's Department, Lincoln Rural Fire and Rescue Department and Logan County Paramedics.

The crash is being investigated by the Illinois State Police.

[ISP report/LDN]