CARBONDALE — Two SIU automotive technology students were killed in a Monday morning traffic crash according to a press release from the Carbondale Police Department. They were identified as Wolfgang W. Gustaveson, 19, of Park Ridge and Francis M. Martinez, 18, of Des Plaines.
Carbondale police officers responded to the 1500 block of North Illinois Avenue at 7:45 a.m. on Monday morning after reports of a traffic crash. Initial reports said a school bus was involved in the accident. When police arrived at the scene, they determined the school bus was not impacted during the crash and that no one on the bus was injured.
Police found that two trucks had collided head-on near the bus.
The lone occupant of the vehicle that was headed southbound suffered serious injuries. He was transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale by the Jackson County Ambulance Service.
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Gustaveson and Martinez were in the northbound vehicle and died as a result of the collision. They were living on campus in Carbondale.
U.S. 51 was closed between Dillinger Road and Willow Road and an alert was sent out before 8 a.m. notifying the public of its closure. The road reopened at 11:21 a.m.
“The City of Carbondale is extremely sorry for the loss of these young men, and extends our deepest sympathy to their families and loved ones,” the press release read.
SIU Chancellor Austin Lane also sent an email to members of the SIU community.
“We are brokenhearted to lose two members of the Saluki family, Wolfgang Gustaveson and Frank Martinez, in an auto accident this morning, and we extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends. Both students were majoring in automotive technology. Classes in automotive technology are canceled today.
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“Mental health counseling is available from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 618-453-5371. As we mourn this loss in our community, we will keep Wolfgang’s and Frank’s families and friends in our thoughts and prayers,” Lane said.
The Carbondale Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about the accident to contact them at 618-549-2121.
Information may be left on the Carbondale/SIU Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 618-549-COPS (2677) or the Murphysboro/Jackson County anonymous tip line at 618-687-COPS (2677).
Multiple agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the De Soto Police Department, the Carbondale Fire Department, Carbondale Public Works Department, and the Illinois State Police assisted in this ongoing investigation.
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