Central City, IL (August 10, 2025) – Two people were injured Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash east of Central City. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 3:28 p.m. on Green St Rd near Brick Hill Rd when a 2007 SUV driven by 30-year-old Shannon Phelps of Kell Rd in Texico left the roadway and entered a deep ditch.
Both Phelps and a passenger, whose identity has not yet been released, sustained injuries and were transported to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia by Lifestar Ambulance. Authorities noted that an Air Evac helicopter had been requested for possible transport but was later canceled.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and no further details have been released. Our thoughts are with both injured individuals as they recover.
Single-Vehicle Collision Risks in Rural Illinois
Rural roadway crashes like the one on Green St Rd can be particularly hazardous due to higher travel speeds, narrow lanes, and limited shoulders. When a vehicle leaves the pavement, steep embankments, deep ditches, and uneven terrain can significantly increase the severity of a crash.
Illinois crash data shows that single-vehicle accidents account for a large share of rural traffic injuries, with common contributing factors including driver distraction, overcorrection, fatigue, and loss of control on curves. In some cases, road surface conditions or poor visibility can also play a role.
Safety advocates recommend that drivers on rural routes maintain appropriate speeds, stay alert for changing conditions, and ensure tires and brakes are in good working order. In the event of a crash in less-populated areas, rapid communication with emergency services is critical, as longer response times may occur compared to urban settings.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.
