URBANA — An Urbana woman died in a crash about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in at the intersection of State Route 54 and East Hickory Grove Road south of Urbana.
Ruth Thomas, 78, was driving a westbound Honda car on SR 54, when she traveled through the intersection and was struck by a car operated by Harlea Thompson, 24, also of Urbana, deputies of the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office report. The impact forced Thompson’s car into a utility pole where the vehicle caught on fire. Thomas’ car traveled off the road and came to rest in a yard.
Thomas was transported to Urbana Mercy Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, deputies report.
Thompson was also taken to UMH, and later was flown by medical helicopter an area hospital for treatment. Information on her condition was not released.
Deputies continue investigation into the crash.