Teens narrowly survive crash involving alcohol, high speed, no seat belts         

[June 05, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Two teens are in a fight for their lives after a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. Nineteen-year-old Samuel R. Fortner of Stonington was driving with passenger Kaitlyn C. Miles, 17, of Taylorville. They were on Illinois Route 48 one-fourth mile north of Glenhill Road in rural Christian County at 3:15 a.m.

Fortner was southbound when he lost control of the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt they were riding in. The vehicle traveled off the roadway onto the right shoulder of Route 48. Fortner overcorrected, causing the vehicle to suddenly travel into the northbound lane.

Fortner and Miles were ejected from the vehicle as it rotated several times and then overturned in a ditch.

Fortner admitted consuming alcoholic beverages and driving the vehicle.

A witness to the crash indicated that the vehicle was traveling without headlights and at a high rate of speed prior to the crash.

Alcoholic beverages were found in the vehicle.

Fortner and Miles were not wearing seat belts.

The occupants were transported to St. John's Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Agencies attending the scene were Illinois State Police District 9, Christian County Sheriff's Department, Taylorville Police Department, Dunn Ambulance and Sutton Ambulance. The crash is currently under investigation.

The public is reminded that anyone is presumed innocent until the charges are proven in a court of law.

[From Illinois State Police District 9 report; LDN]