Two Neoga men and two Effingham men were killed early Sunday morning when their car was hit by a freight train between Neoga and Sigel in Shelby County.
The Shelby County Coroner’s Office named the deceased as driver Wesley E. Carver, 19, of Neoga, and passengers Josiah T. Koons, 21, also of Neoga, Cruz M. Watts, 18, and Christian S. Beckler, 18, of Effingham.
According to a statement from Illinois State Police Troop 7, the crash occurred around 4:21 a.m. on Sunday near Shelby County Road 400 North and U.S. 45. There were no railroad derailments.
At 9:41 a.m., police reported that the street was reopened to traffic. According to the agency, the crash is still being investigated, and no other information is available at this time.
The tragic crash occurred in Shelby County’s eastern part, near the Effingham County line. Shelby County Coroner Beth Debolt stated that her office is collaborating with Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes on this matter, while the State Police takes the lead in the investigation.
Reference: 4 young men killed when train strikes car in Shelby County