MATTOON, Coles County, Ill., Oct. 19, 2026 — A Mattoon police officer and two other motorists were taken to hospitals after a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon, October 17, at the intersection of Charleston Avenue (Illinois 16) and Sixth Street.
The Mattoon Police Department said the officer was responding to a report of a fire and was driving north on Sixth Street when the patrol vehicle collided with a passenger car heading west on Charleston Avenue. The officer was taken by a Mattoon Fire Department ambulance crew to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center for observation, according to the department.
Two occupants of the passenger vehicle were also hospitalized. Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance Service crews transported them from the scene, the department said. The extent of the injuries to the officer and the other motorists has not been released.
Because the collision involved a Mattoon police officer, the Coles County Sheriff's Office has been asked to handle the crash investigation. Part of the intersection, located next to a Huck's service station, was briefly closed to traffic following the crash. No further details on the investigation have been made public.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Mattoon, IL
This crash happened on Charleston Avenue in Mattoon, IL. We cover crashes across Coles County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Coles County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with the other driver, photograph the scene and vehicle damage, and get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor at first.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at intersections, where vehicles cross paths, turn, or stop suddenly. Clear sightlines, working signals, and full stops at stop signs can reduce the chances of a collision in these areas.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, cuts and bruises, and head or chest injuries from striking the interior of the vehicle are common. Some injuries, including concussions, may not show symptoms right away, which is why a medical exam after any crash is recommended.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Mattoon, IL
If you're involved in a crash in Mattoon, stay at the scene and wait for responding officers or deputies to arrive and document what happened. Accept medical evaluation on site or follow up with a doctor soon after, since adrenaline can mask pain or injury in the first hours. Make sure to keep copies of any medical records, repair estimates, and the official crash report, and follow up with your insurance company promptly. If a government vehicle or employee was involved, note that claims against a public agency often follow different rules and shorter deadlines than typical crash claims, so early documentation matters.
