Rosiclare man killed in crash with semi

A Rosiclare man was killed in a crash with a semi tractor-trailer that occurred 5:31 a.m. Saturday morning on state Route 145 just south of Pankeyville.

According to a press release issued by Illinois State Police District 19, Jeffrey T. Shaffer, 38, Rosiclare, was driving a car north on state Route 145 when about half a mile south of Triple S. Road he drove across the center line. The car struck the southbound 2014 semi tractor-trailer driven by Tony D. Tite, 51, Ozark.

Shaffer was pronounced deceased at the traffic crash scene by the Saline County Coroner's Office. Tite did not receive any injuries as a result of the crash. Bishop's Towing of Harrisburg removed the Toyota Corolla from the scene, while Vernell's Towing of Marion removed the semi tractor-trailer.

The highway was closed about 6 1/2 hours.

An ISP Crash Reconstruction Officer and an ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer have 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, Harrisburg Fire Department and Illinois Department of Transportation.

The accident remains under investigation and no charges have been issued.