Mangled wreckage yields broken bones      

[JAN. 28, 2005]  The three occupants of two vehicles in a morning accident on Interstate 55 near Broadwell were more fortunate than looked likely. Lincoln Rural Fire Chief Dean Kukuck said the accident looked bad. The victims had to be extricated from the mangled wreckage.

The accident occurred about 7:51 a.m. An unidentified Quincy woman was driving a minivan northbound. A Minier man driving a Chevy that was headed south crossed the median. His vehicle was struck on the passenger side and pushed down the highway.

The city of Lincoln Fire Department was called to assist and was first on the scene, as Lincoln Rural Fire and Rescue squads were at a distance, returning from an earlier incident near Hartsburg. Logan County Paramedics also assisted the victims.

Both drivers were taken to St. John's trauma center in Springfield. A passenger escaped major injury. The woman suffered a broken leg. The only other occupant in either vehicle was the woman's daughter. She did not require hospitalization. The man suffered two bones broken in one arm.

The accident is under investigation by Illinois State Police.

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