Car vs Tow Truck collision on I-72 leaves one hospitalized

By Gary Scott on September 19, 2017 at 5:59am

A Pawnee man was hospitalized after a two-vehicle accident on I-72 in Morgan County yesterday evening.

According to Illinois State Police District 9, the crash occurred just before 6:30 p.m. a little less than two miles east of the Ashland/Alexander Exit on I-72.

Reports claim that a red 2016 Ford F-550 tow truck, driven by 43-year old Matthew Edwards of Pawnee, was sitting idle on right shoulder of the westbound lane loading a disabled vehicle. Preliminary reports indicate that a 2015 blue Chevrolet Camaro, driven by 64-year old Erdogan Kurap of Herscher, Illinois, was travelling westbound near the same area when, for unknown reasons, crossed the white fog line, striking the rear of the tow truck as well as Edwards, who was standing along the driver’s side of the tow truck.

Police say Edwards suffered personal injuries as a result of the crash, and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. Kurap, the driver of the blue Camaro, was not injured during the incident.

American Ambulance responded to the scene and transported Edwards to the hospital. Kurap was cited for improper lane usage and failing to yield to a stationary authorized emergency vehicle.