FARINA — A fiery crash north of Farina Monday night sent the passenger of the vehicle to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

According to the Illinois State Police, around 10 p.m. Monday, 18-year-old Jace Freiboth was southbound on Interstate 57 just 2-miles north of Farina when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer.

Freiboth’s van ran off the interstate to the right, drove through a fence, and struck several small trees before becoming engulfed in flames.

Freiboth, and his 19-year-old passenger Dustin Wiegel, were able to exit the vehicle on their own and flag down a motorist.
Wiegel was taken by ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham treatment. Freiboth was injured, but refused treatment.

Both Freiboth and Wiegel were cited for not wearing a seat belt and Freiboth was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid the crash. They are both from Mondicello.