Three extricated, flown to hospitals after head-on crash in Madison County

Illinois State Police on Saturday were investigating a head-on collision in Madison County that sent three people to hospitals.

A 67-year-old man was driving a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer south on Fosterburg Road about 12:21 p.m. Witnesses told police they saw the man swerving and talking on his cell phone, said Illinois State Trooper Calvin Dye Jr.

The Mountaineer crossed the center line and crashed into a 2010 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 57-year-old man, Dye said. The driver of the Impala and his passenger, a 60-year-old female, are both from Piasa.

The crash necessitated the extrication of all three persons, Dye said.

The three were flown to St. Louis-area hospitals. They were listed in critical condition, Dye said.

The Mountaineer’s driver will be cited for improper lane usage and illegal use of a cell phone while driving, according to Dye.

There were two dogs in the Impala. They were taken to a nearby veterinary clinic and were in good condition.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Three extricated, flown to hospitals after head-on crash in Madison County."