Neoga, IL (September 8, 2025) – A tragic collision involving a semi-truck and a box truck claimed the life of a 31-year-old man from Guanajuato, Mexico, on Saturday afternoon in Shelby County, according to Illinois State Police.
The fatal crash occurred around 3:35 p.m. along the southbound side of Interstate 57 at milepost 172 near Neoga. Authorities report that the victim had pulled his truck-tractor semi-trailer combination vehicle onto the right shoulder and exited to refuel. While he was outside the vehicle, a two-axle box truck traveling southbound veered off the roadway, striking both the driver and the side of the parked semi.
Emergency responders from the Neoga Fire Protection District and Neoga Ambulance rushed to the scene. Tragically, the semi-truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Shelby County Coroner, who is withholding his identity pending family notification.
The box truck driver, a 38-year-old man from Milwaukee, WI, was not injured.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this devastating accident.
Truck Accidents and Roadside Safety in Illinois
Saturday’s fatal collision near Neoga sheds light on the extreme dangers that exist for commercial drivers who must perform roadside tasks such as refueling, maintenance, or emergency checks. The incident took place on a rural stretch of I-57, where high-speed traffic and limited shoulder space can turn minor stops into fatal situations in mere seconds.
Despite being off the main lanes of traffic, the semi driver was exposed and vulnerable while standing on the shoulder. Crashes involving stationary vehicles, particularly large trucks, are alarmingly common on interstate highways. Drivers who fail to maintain lane discipline or reduce speed near stopped vehicles can cause catastrophic outcomes, as tragically seen here.
In Illinois, state law requires all drivers to move over and slow down when approaching disabled vehicles or emergency scenes—a law often emphasized through public safety campaigns. However, enforcement alone cannot prevent every accident. Vigilance, especially around large commercial vehicles and roadside activity, is essential.
For truck drivers, strict federal regulations govern hours of service, maintenance checks, and emergency procedures. But even with these safeguards, they remain at risk when forced to stop along high-speed roadways. This tragic case reinforces the importance of public awareness and driver responsibility in avoiding these preventable tragedies.
If your loved one was affected by a fatal highway crash like this one in Neoga, understanding your options is essential. At Local Accident Reports, we help families connect with compassionate legal and support professionals who can assist during the aftermath of such a loss. Reach out today to begin the process of seeking answers and closure.
