Flash Flood in Crawford County, Illinois

A cluster of thunderstorms persisted over mainly the far northern parts of the county into the overnight hours. Radar estimates indicated from 4 to over 5 inches of rain falling over a period of less than 6 hours. This resulted in flash flooding occurring in the far northwestern part of the county. A culvert went over its banks, resulting in an 80 foot long, 25 foot deep section of secondary roadway being washed away during the overnight hours. During the early morning hours, a female driver, unaware of the washout, drove off the roadway, into the hole. Shortly thereafter, a truck with two occupants went off the roadway as well. The truck stuck the car's gas tank, resulting in a fire. All three occupants were killed. A rail road bridge, 60 feet long, was also washed out completely in the area.