One Dead, Two Injured in Collision Involving Horse-Drawn Buggy in Jefferson County

Jefferson County, IL – A tragic accident in Jefferson County on Monday has left one person dead and two others injured after a vehicle collided with a horse-drawn buggy. The incident occurred around 4:49 p.m. near the intersection of Log Cabin Lane and Goshen Road, as reported by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, a 32-year-old woman from Ina was driving a white Dodge van when it struck the rear of a horse-drawn buggy, driven by a 20-year-old from Belle Rive, Illinois. The collision caused significant damage to the buggy, resulting in serious injuries to all three occupants.

Emergency responders, including deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire Protection District, and Litton Ambulance, quickly arrived on the scene to provide assistance. The driver and one passenger from the buggy were flown to a hospital in St. Louis due to the severity of their injuries. Sadly, the other passenger, 18-year-old Elma Mast of Belle Rive, was transported to SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The driver of the Dodge van and a juvenile passenger were reported to have sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. Authorities also confirmed that the horse involved in the crash was injured. Members of the Mast family arrived at the scene to help with the care and recovery of the injured horse.

As the community grapples with this devastating loss, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the crash remains under investigation. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and officials are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the collision.

The Sheriff and his staff extended their deepest condolences to the Mast family, expressing their sympathy through a heartfelt message on the department’s Facebook page. “The Sheriff and his staff send their deepest condolences to the Mast family during this time of tragedy,” the statement read. “May God’s Grace cover them in their time of need.”

This accident has shaken the tight-knit community of Belle Rive, and residents are rallying around the Mast family, offering support and prayers. As authorities continue to investigate, they urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to finding answers and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.

The community is reminded to exercise caution on the roads, particularly in rural areas where horse-drawn buggies are a common sight. The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of driver awareness and attentiveness to help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the road.