Two Marion residents killed in Rudement-area crash

A crash on state Route 34 1/4 mile north of Womble Road resulted in the deaths of two Marion residents.

On the highway, 1/4 mile north of Womble Road, Donald R. Childers, 73, Marion was northbound on state Route 34 1/4 mile north of Womble Road when he swerved to miss a slower-moving vehicle and lost control on the wet pavement, according to an Illinois State Police press release. The vehicle left the road and struck a tree, the release indicates.

Childers was pronounced deceased at the traffic crash scene by the Saline County Coroner's Office. Betty J. Childers and David Grace were transported to an area hospital for injuries sustained in the traffic crash. Betty J. Childers was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

An ISP Crash Reconstruction Officer has been assigned to the crash investigation. In addition, ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Saline County Sheriff's Department, Saline County EMS, Saline County Coroner's Office, Carrier Mills Fire Department, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Bishop's Towing.

The accident remains under investigation.