Two Trucks Collide, Catch Fire in Illinois; One Driver Perishes

At 9:07 AM, on April 23, 2004, an elderly farmer's grain truck collided with a Freightliner semi truck hauling bricks in Manteno, Illinois.

Firefighters from the Manteno Fire Protection District (about 40 miles south of Chicago - just off I-57) were first to respond. They were assisted with help from Peotone and the Bourbonnais Fire District personnel.

Manteno Fire Chief Maurice O'Keefe said that both vehicles were on fire upon arrival. Chief O'Keefe said that the department responded with an ambulance, rescue truck, and an engine.

The man in the grain truck was pronounced dead at the scene.