Preemption, Ill. – A tragic head-on crash on U.S. Route 67 just north of Preemption claimed the lives of two individuals Tuesday afternoon, according to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred on July 23, 2025, when a southbound vehicle reportedly crossed the center line and struck a northbound vehicle, resulting in a violent head-on collision. Deputies confirmed that both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The names of the deceased have not been released, pending notification of next of kin by the Mercer County Coroner’s Office.
Emergency responders included the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Matherville Fire Department, Sherrard Fire Department, Advanced Medical Transport, Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Mercer County Coroner.
The incident remains under investigation by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police.