Four people died after a train struck their car early Sunday morning near Shelby County Road 400 North and Route 45, north of Effingham in Shelby County, according to Illinois State Police.
Police identified the deceased as:
The driver, Wesley E. Carver, 19, of Neoga; and passengers Josiah T. Koons, 21, of Neoga; Cruz M. Watts, 18, of Effingham; and Christian S. Beckler, 18, of Effingham.
Preliminary information indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 7 responded to the location above for the report of a car vs. train crash. A 2006 Cadillac DTS was traveling westbound on County Road 400 North in Shelby County at US-45. The Cadillac disregarded a traffic stop sign at the intersection of County Road 400 North and US-45 and continued across the intersection before disregarding and avoiding a railroad sign, functioning railroad crossing lights, gates, and bells before impact with the train.
The crash happened at about 4:21 a.m., police said, noting that there was no train derailment.
Police said the roadway reopened at about 9:41 a.m. Sunday.