Galatia, IL – A late-night crash in Saline County left one man dead and two others injured when a pickup truck veered off the road early Friday morning.
According to the Illinois State Police, troopers responded at approximately 1:58 a.m. to Illinois Route 34, about a mile west of Harco Road near Galatia. A Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound left the roadway and struck a ditch.
Troopers reported that the driver, identified as 21-year-old Jacob C. Ahrens of Ridgway, and a passenger, 20-year-old Konner C. Pemberton, also of Ridgway, were airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries. A second passenger, 20-year-old Mattix T. Sandifer of Ridgway, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Illinois State Police Traffic Reconstruction Unit and Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 responded to the crash. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and are working with the Saline County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding potential charges.
Officials emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. No further details have been released.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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