PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — A Monday morning crash in Pinkneyville that closed a portion of Route 154 claimed the life of one man and sent another to a regional hospital with major injuries.

According to the Illinois State Police, around 7:18 Monday morning, a 2015 Dodge Dart driven by 25-year-old Brian A. Scholebo, of Pinckneyville, was eastbound on Route 154 approximately ½ mile east of Rose of Sharon Road.

At the same time, a 2011 Mitsubishi Galant driven by 39-year-old Michael A. Gibson, of Sparta was westbound at the same location.

Scholebo’s vehicle apparently crossed the center line for an unknown reason and struck Gibson’s vehicle head on. Scholebo was killed in the crash and Gibson was airlifted from the scene to a regional hospital for treatment of major injuries.

Traffic in the area was diverted off Illinois Route 154 at Illinois Route 150 to the west, and at the roundabout west of Pinckeyville to the east.

The crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.

The roadway was reopened at approximately 11:15 a.m.