4-vehicle crash kills 2, injures others

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U.S. Route 68 just south of Urbana was temporarily closed in both directions Saturday morning after a four-vehicle crash that killed two people and left several others injured. The crash occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m.

According to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser being driven by Joseph Brandyberry, age 32 of Urbana, went left of center striking a 2004 Ford F-150 being driven by John Keechle, age 64 of Springfield. Brandberry’s vehicle then struck a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country being driven by Todd Bayless, age 33 of Urbana, head-on. Bayless’ vehicle was then struck by a 2008 Honda Accord being driven by Lukas McKee, age 35 of Urbana.

Brandyberry was transported to the Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead. Bayless was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash occurred in front of the site under construction for the new Urbana pre-K through 8th grade school, between state Route 55 and Campground Road.

The county coroner was called to the scene, as was CareFlight. Multiple crash victims were flown to area hospitals.

Urbana Fire & EMS, Moorefield Township EMS, and Mechanicsburg EMS along with Champaign County Sheriff‘s Office deputies and Urbana Police Division responded to the location.

The crash remains under investigation at this time. Names and conditions of others injured in the crash have not been released yet by the sheriff’s office.

Editor’s note: In order to immediately inform the public and travelers about the sudden and temporary closure of U.S. Route 68 on Saturday before noon, the Urbana Daily Citizen distributed in a timely fashion only official content about this crash as it was provided to the newspaper by law enforcement on Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. The photo has now been removed but the story content remains.

Accident temporarily closed Route 68

Staff report

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