1 killed in crash on Route 3 near Union-Alexander county line

UNION COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – Route 3 at the Union-Alexander county line is shut down after a deadly four-vehicle crash Monday morning.

Catherine Newell, 53, of Grand Tower was driving a white 2006 GMC Yukon north on Route 3 about one quarter mile south of the Union County line in Alexander County. Louis Licka, 67, of Buncombe was driving a white GMC pickup truck south. Austin, Meyer, 21, of Festus, Mo. was driving a white 2017 Peterbilt truck-tractor semi-trailer combination south behind Licka’s pickup truck, according to Illinois State Police.

Newell lost control of her Yukon and crossed into the southbound lanes, sideswiping the driver’s side of Licka’s pickup truck, according to ISP. Myer tried to swerve into the northbound lanes to avoid Newell’s vehicle, but was sideswiped on the passenger side. Then, Newell’s Yukon struck a fourth vehicle head-on. That driver died. The identity of the driver of the fourth vehicle is withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Newell was air lifted to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.

The road was closed for several hours as emergency crews responded.