Wreck near Ullin claims life of rural Vienna woman

A two-vehicle traffic accident last week near Ullin led to injuries which claimed the life of a rural Vienna resident.

Illinois State Police at Ullin reported that the accident happened at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, on the Shawnee College Road near Ullin.

Deloris Wilson of rural Vienna died Friday, Aug. 14, from injuries sustained in the accident.

Her husband, Jack Wilson, sustained life-threatening injuries.

Mr. Wilson was airlifted to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind.

A member of the Wilsons’ family told the Vienna Times newspaper early this week that Mr. Wilson was in critical and unstable condition.

The accident involved a pickup truck driven by Mr. Wilson and a semi-truck tractor trailer rig. The semi was transporting an I-beam.

The driver of the semi was identified as Thomas Purves, 56, of Cranberry Township, Pa.

State police reported that Purves was attempting to turn his vehicle onto the eastbound lane of Shawnee College Road.

While the semi was being maneuvered, a pickup truck driven by Mr. Wilson collided with the I-beam. The pickup was towing a recreational vehicle.

Mrs. Wilson was airlifted to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, where she died on Friday.

The driver of the semi refused medical treatment. He was cited for violation of a permit and failure to yield/stop at an intersection.