Monroe County wreck kills two

A Jan. 10 two-vehicle accident on Route 159 south of Hecker fatally injured two women, while two others were seriously injured.

<span>Three of the individuals involved are from the Red Bud area. The accident occurred at 10:38 p.m.</span>

<span>According to Illinois State Police Sgt. Dave Filkins, a 2008 Chevrolet Aveo, driven by 21-year-old Crystal K. Steinheimer, was traveling north on the highway when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 19-year-old Abigail A. Liefer, of Ruma.</span>

<span>Two female passengers, 20-year-old Hannah M. Porter and 20-year-old Grace E. Richards, were also inside the Cobalt. Liefer and Porter, who was riding in the backseat of the Cobalt, were fatally injured.</span>

<span>The official police report lists the preliminary cause of the crash as "unknown reasons."</span>

<span>"The Aveo driver was ejected from the vehicle," Filkins said. "There was no indication of any intoxication and the crash is being reconstructed."</span>

<span>Steinheimer was flown to St. Louis University hospital with serious injuries. She was cited for improper lane usage and not wearing a seatbelt.</span>

<span>Porter was taken to Red Bud Regional Hospital for treatment, where she later died.</span>

<span>Richards, who was in the front passenger seat of the Cobalt, was taken to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville by Monroe County EMS with non-life threatening injuries.</span>

<span>Porter was also not wearing a seatbelt, while the other two were. The crash is still under investigation by the ISP.</span>

<span>Funeral arrangements for Porter are being handled by Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud.</span>