The Illinois State Police are investigating a multiple vehicle personal injury traffic crash that occurred on Interstate 55 southbound near milepost 91. Three vehicles were traveling southbound on Interstate 55 near milepost 91 in Sangamon County.  

21-year-old Li’Derick Franklin of St. Charles, Missouri and his passenger 23-year-old Demetrius Sims from St. Louis, Missouri was in the left lane. David Buckhart, a 75-year-old male from Whitefish, Montana, was in the middle lane, and 49 year old Erika Palsen of Divernon, Illinois was in the right lane.

Franklin attempted to conduct a lane change into the center lane. Buckhart swerved out of the way, striking Palsen’s vehicle.  All three vehicles collided.  Franklin’s vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway striking several yellow crash barriers. Buckhart was able to safely stop his vehicle on the right shoulder.  

Palsen’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a metal guardrail, and overturned onto the passenger side, injuring Palsen’s passenger—59-year-old Phillip Palsen of Divernon.  Both Palsen’s were transported by ambulance to an area hospital with minor injuries. No other drivers reported any injuries.  

Franklin was cited for improper lane usage.