18-year-old killed when horse-drawn buggy is hit by van

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. (KMOV/Gray News) - An 18-year-old was killed after the horse-drawn buggy she was riding in was struck from behind by a van Wednesday evening.

According to a release by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened just before 5 p.m. at Log Cabin Lane and Goshen Road.

Police learned that a white Dodge van struck a horse-drawn buggy from behind, causing major damages and seriously injuring the passengers.

One of the passengers, identified as 18-year-old Elma Mast was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The two other occupants of the buggy were flown to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment. The driver and a juvenile passenger in the van were not seriously injured, police say.

The horse was injured and was treated on scene by Mast family members.

Deputies on scene were assisted by Jefferson County Fire Protection District and Litton Ambulance.

The investigation is still active at this time.