A nine-car accident on I-57 Monday caused by a Louisiana man driving a semi-truck, resulted in the deaths of three Mississippi women, according to Illinois State Police.

Coles County Coroner, Ed Schniers, released the names of the women killed on Tuesday.
The deceased are Sheila H. Douglas, 61, of Batesville, Miss.; Doris Hamblin-Mayo, 68, of Sarah, Miss.; and Juanita Hall, 80, also of Sarah, Miss.

The Illinois State Police Capt. Stuart Shaver said 12 others were injured Monday in the collision, which was north of Mattoon.

Officers tested the blood and urine of the semi’s driver, 55-year-old Everett Van Duzee of New Iberia, La., but there was no trace of drugs or alcohol.

Shaver said the crash was likely caused by driver inattention.

The investigation indicates the motorists were preparing to switch lanes for one-lane traffic in a construction zone a few miles north of Mattoon, Sgt. Bill Emery of the Illinois, he said.

Shaver said the crash accident is still under investigation.

Sean Junge, Captain Paramedic of the Mattoon Fire Department, was the Incident Command Officer.

“My guys did a tremendous job,” Junge said.
“Obviously with that amount of cars and people involved and they worked there rear ends off. We want to thank the other agencies that helped.”

The resulting crash scene and debris forced the closure of the I-57 northbound lanes for more than seven hours, reopening at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Deputy Coroner Michael Bennett is unsure about the details of memorial arrangements.
Bennett said the deceased’s times of death are unknown.

Relatives seeking information on loved ones involved in the accident can contact the Illinois State Police District 10 headquarters at 217-265-0050.