PONTOON BEACH, Ill. –The Illinois State Police is currently investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on Illinois Route 111 just south of New Poag Road.

The crash occurred at 8:13 a.m. Thursday. Preliminary information indicates that a Pontoon Beach police car was northbound on IL­­-111 just south of New Poag Rd. when a southbound pickup truck suddenly swerved into the lane of the police car.

There was a head-on crash and the pickup truck became fully engulfed in flames. The driver, and only occupant, of the pickup truck died.

The police officer was airlifted to an area hospital with serious injuries. Illinois Rt. 111 will be shut down for several hours.

This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available.