WASHINGTON COUNTY — Illinois State Police is investigating a crash Wednesday on IL Route 15 in Washington County that claimed the lives of three people.

According to reports, around 4:25 p.m. a 67-year-old Patricia C. Smith, of Louisville, Ill., was driving a Jeep SUV westbound on Route 15 approaching Madison Road just west of Nashville in Washington County.

The Jeep was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed when as it was negotiating a curve to the right it crossed the center line and struck head on a Buick SUV being driven by a 70-year-old Karen L. Lunte, of Nashville.

Both drivers and a passenger in the Buick, 65-year-old Diane A. Maschhoff, of Hoyleton, were all fatally injured. All occupants were wearing seat belts.

IL Route 15 was closed for several hours due to the crash.