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Nov. 07--EFFINGHAM -- Three Illinois Army National Guard soldiers not only escaped injury when the car they were traveling in caught fire on Interstate 57/70 in Effingham, but they also saved their gear from the blazing vehicle on their way home from weekend drill.
The single-vehicle car fire occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday in the construction area on the interstate, west of exit 159 on the U.S. 40 overpass.
Pfc. Benjamin Sherrick, 21, of Greenup, Spc. James Uhrquiza of Morris and Pvt. Edwardo Vargas of Zion were northbound in a 1980's Lincoln Towncar when they noticed smoke inside the car.
Vargas, the driver, quickly pulled over and the soldiers jumped out and popped the engine hood. After realizing the engine was on fire, they immediately called 911. A couple of motorists stopped to try and put out the blaze, one of them armed with a fire extinguisher.
In the meantime, the three young soldiers were able to get their military gear out of the vehicle and stash it along the roadway, as far away from the vehicle as possible. With what little water was left in their canteens, they tried to douse the blaze, but the car was already engulfed.
Dressed in their uniforms and anxious to return home after weekend drill in West Frankfort, the soldiers were just thankful they were uninjured and had saved their gear. Vargas had planned to drop off Sherrick in Effingham, drop off Uhrquiza in Morris and return to his home near Chicago before the fire.
Effingham Fire Department, Effingham Police Department and Illinois State Police were on scene. The vehicle is a total loss.
Samantha Newburn may be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or [email protected].
