The Illinois State Police have released details of the 5 car crash that involved Taylorville native and Illinois State Trooper Nathan Shanks. On Tuesday around 3:30pm, all five vehicles were north bound on I57 near mile post 79. A 1992 Chevrolet driven by a 21-year-old male from Sesser stalled and became disabled partially in the left lane of traffic. A 2014 Kenworth semi-tractor driven by a 34 year old male of Benton City, Missouri moved his vehicle to the right lane/right shoulder area. A 2004 Ford F350 driven by a 38 year old male from Kentucky attempted to avoid striking Units 1 and 2 by going between them.

The Ford driver struck the Kenworth’s driver side mirror and proceeded past him to the right shoulder. A 2009 Dodge 3500 Ram driven by a 44 year old male of Jackson, Missouri then attempted to avoid colliding with the ‘92 Chevrolet and 2014 Kenworth by maneuvering his vehicle toward the middle of both lanes. His actions resulted in Shanks having no path available with which to escape the collision. Shanks collided with the rear of the Dodge pushing it into the rear trailer of semi. This collision pushed 2014 Kenworth’s trailers onto the guard rail on the right edge of the roadway. As a result of the impact of the Dodge and Shanks, Shanks’ vehicle caught on fire. He was extricated by motorists and drug to safety.

Shanks was airlifted from the scene and transported to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Shanks suffered several fractured bones and severe burns but is now reported to be in stable condition at Mercy Hospital. Two other individuals were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The Illinois State Police is still investigating the incident and charges are pending.