Mount Vernon teen killed in Sunday wreck

JEFFERSON COUNTY - A Mount Vernon teenager was killed Sunday when police say a Mazda MX3 vehicle northbound on I-57 crossed the median and hit her southbound Jeep head on.

Killed was Emma F. Caserotti, 18, of Mount Vernon.

A passenger in her vehicle, Tristen A. Sharp, 18, of Mount Vernon, sustained major injuries and was taken to a hospital and later flown to a regional hospital. Her status is unknown.

Driver of the Mazda, Cole Y. Stevens, 25, of Energy, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.

A passenger in his vehicle, Octavia M. Marshall, 23, of Carbondale, also sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.

According to Illinois State Police, the Mazda was northbound near mile post 81 in Jefferson County at approximately 12:56 p.m., when it traveled through the center median and into the southbound lanes of traffic, striking the Jeep head on.

Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

The interstate was closed for nearly five hours for the investigation and cleanup. The investigation continues by the ISP Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Unit and Zone 7 Investigations.

The case is being reviewed by the Jefferson County state's attorney's office. Charges are pending the review.</group><group id="12BFC1F4-1233-4E73-A889-A768911ED553" type="seoLabels">