Joseph Wayne Sands dies in fatal Collinsville car crash
Fatal Collinsville car crash death of Joseph Wayne Sands
Initial findings reveal the 63-year-old man from Cottage Hills was pronounced deceased at 4:25 a.m. on Sunday, October 5th, as confirmed by the Madison County Coroner, Nicholas P. Novacich. The Madison County Coroner’s office has officially identified the individual who lost their life in the fatal Oct. 5th incident on Interstate 55 at mile marker 8, which occurred near Collinsville.
An autopsy was performed to assist in determining the cause and method of death, while standard toxicology tests are still being processed. The fatal accident transpired around 3:01 a.m. The preliminary investigation indicates that Sands was operating a 1992 Chevrolet S-10 pickup when he decelerated in the northbound lanes, resulting in being struck from behind by a semi-truck. According to information provided by the Illinois State Police, both motor vehicles subsequently caught fire following the collision.
The operator of the box truck was provided medical attention at the accident site and was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area in a critical condition. The closure of the northbound lanes on the interstate was in effect until 10:26 a.m. on the day of the incident. The fatal collision is currently being examined by the Illinois State Police, the Madison County Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit. Funeral arrangements for Joseph Wayne Sands are being handled by Marks Mortuary in Wood River.
