Mattoon, IL — A tragic evening unfolded in Coles County on Thursday, leaving two families grieving after a pair of deadly traffic collisions along Illinois Route 16 claimed the lives of 84-year-old David Greeson of Neoga and 61-year-old Charles S. Clinard of Mattoon. The incidents, occurring within close proximity of each other in both time and location, revealed the compounding dangers that can emerge on busy roadways during emergency responses—and serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of situational awareness behind the wheel.

The sequence of devastation began near Lerna Road, just outside the Coles County Memorial Airport, when David Greeson, operating a passenger vehicle, became involved in a serious collision with a semi truck. According to initial findings released by responding authorities, Greeson’s vehicle entered the intersection where it struck the semi under still-undisclosed circumstances. Despite prompt attention from first responders, the 84-year-old was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Greeson’s death prompted an immediate emergency response, with fire, EMS, sheriff’s deputies, and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) personnel arriving to secure the crash zone, control traffic, and provide aid. IDOT vehicles were strategically positioned to protect both responders and the crash scene—a routine but critical measure that, tragically, would play a pivotal role in what happened next.

As responders were tending to the wreckage and documenting the first fatality, the second crash occurred, compounding an already tragic situation. A pickup truck, reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed, failed to obey a traffic signal and barreled into a parked IDOT vehicle stationed at the site. Authorities stated that the pickup struck the IDOT truck with enough force to rupture its fuel tank, triggering a sudden and intense fire that engulfed the area.

The driver of the pickup was Charles S. Clinard, a 61-year-old resident of Mattoon. Clinard was pronounced dead at the scene, his vehicle devastated by the impact and subsequent blaze. Officials confirmed that no IDOT personnel inside or around the truck were injured during the second collision—a narrow escape amidst the cascade of destruction.

The twin tragedies prompted a full-scale emergency operation, with crews from multiple agencies working to extinguish the fire, control the traffic hazard, investigate both crashes, and clear the massive debris field scattered along Route 16. The blaze from the second crash drew heavy black smoke over the highway, complicating visibility and further underscoring the risks faced by roadside personnel during traffic emergencies.

As the Coles County Sheriff’s Office leads the ongoing investigation, authorities are working to piece together the exact causes and potential preventability of both collisions. Toxicology reports, vehicle data, eyewitness statements, and camera footage—if available—will be vital in reconstructing the events that led to this rare and heartbreaking sequence of back-to-back fatalities on the same stretch of road.

The sheriff’s office has yet to confirm whether medical issues, inattention, distraction, or environmental factors played a role in either driver’s actions. No citations or additional criminal considerations have been announced as of Friday morning.

Remembering the Victims

David Greeson, 84, of Neoga, is remembered by friends and family as a community-minded individual with deep roots in central Illinois. Known for his steady demeanor, kind nature, and long-standing presence in the area, Greeson’s unexpected death has sent waves of grief through his tight-knit community.

Charles S. Clinard, 61, a lifelong Mattoon resident, leaves behind loved ones now grappling with the suddenness of his passing. While details of Clinard’s journey that evening remain unclear, the loss of his life in such an explosive crash adds to the growing concern over the safety of roadside responders and the pressing need for drivers to remain alert in construction or crash zones.

Safety Concerns and Public Response

This dual-fatality incident is raising new questions about driver awareness near crash zones, especially when emergency lights, vehicles, and personnel are already present. Roadway fatalities involving secondary crashes are a persistent issue nationwide, with transportation experts urging drivers to slow down, yield, and remain highly alert when navigating active crash scenes.

Authorities stress that visibility, fatigue, speed, and distraction are often deadly combinations, particularly at night or in complex traffic situations where signage, flashing lights, and emergency workers are present.

In a brief statement released Friday, the Illinois Department of Transportation acknowledged the harrowing chain of events and expressed condolences to both families, while praising the IDOT staff members who remained unharmed due to proper positioning and safety protocols.

Ongoing Investigation

The Coles County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police are continuing their investigation and ask that any witnesses, motorists who may have been in the area around the time of either crash, or individuals with dashcam footage reach out to assist with the ongoing inquiry.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Coles County Sheriff’s Office or Illinois State Police District 10.

As Route 16 reopened after extensive cleanup and fire mitigation, the reality of Thursday night’s losses remained heavy across Mattoon and surrounding towns. The community mourns two respected men, gone in a matter of minutes, and joins the families of David Greeson and Charles Clinard in remembering their lives and calling for safer roadways in their honor.