Five people seriously injured in head-on collision near Christopher

By Jim Muir

Five people received major injuries Tuesday night in an alcohol-related head-on collision on Route 14 west of Christopher.

According to the police report a vehicle driven by John C. Meinert, 63, of Christopher, was traveling east on Route 14 when it crossed the center line and struck a westbound car being driven by Joseph Wall, 54, of Du Quoin.

Meinert was airlifted from the crash scene to St. Louis with what was reported as major injuries.  Wall was transported by ambulance to Herrin Hospital, also with major injuries.

Three passengers in the Wall vehicle, Deborah Wall, 54, Ashley M. Wall, 24 and Daniel Wall, all of Du Quoin, were also transported by ambulance to Herrin Hospital with major injuries.

Meinert, who had to be extricated from his vehicle, will be charged with aggravated DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol and improper lane usage.