A southern Illinois community is mourning the loss of three teens killed in a weekend car accident.
The three individuals killed were all students at Benton Consolidated High School. In a posted release, High School Superintendent Benjamin Johnson says the loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for students. The high school will have counselors and social workers available to meet with students beginning Monday morning. Benton High School will also run a modified class schedule Monday. School will dismiss at 1:50 pm. The Sophomore Football game at Du Quoin and the Boys Golf match at Effingham scheduled for Monday have been canceled.
The single vehicle accident happened Saturday evening just before 5pm on Benton Field Road south of Benton. Two people in the car were pronounced dead at the scene. A third individual later died in the hospital because of their injuries. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Departments says two other occupants of the vehicle remain hospitalized.
Vehicle traffic on Benton Field Road was restricted Sunday afternoon to allow for mourners to safely visit the accident scene and pay their respects to the three students killed and the two others injured in the accident. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Sunday night at Tabor Field in Benton.
