Carbondale, Illinois - Tragedy struck the community of Carbondale on Monday morning as a fatal crash on the north side of town claimed the lives of two Southern Illinois University (SIU) students. The incident, which occurred on North Illinois (Route 51) between Dillinger and Willow Roads, resulted in two fatalities and one person being rushed to the hospital.

Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly before 8 a.m., prompting police in Carbondale to advise people to avoid the area. It was reported that two trucks collided in a head-on collision.

The driver of the southbound vehicle sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for treatment. However, the two occupants of the northbound vehicle tragically succumbed to their injuries, and were pronounced dead at the scene. The Jackson County Coroner later identified the victims as Wolfgang W. Gustaveson, a 19-year-old resident of Park Ridge, Illinois, and Francis M. Martinez, an 18-year-old resident of Des Plaines, Illinois.

Both Gustaveson and Martinez were students at SIU Carbondale and were living on campus. The shocking news has deeply saddened the university community. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane expressed his condolences, stating, "We are brokenhearted to lose two members of the Saluki family, Wolfgang Gustaveson and Frank Martinez, in an auto accident this morning, and we extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends."

In light of the tragic accident, classes in automotive technology, the major pursued by both victims, were canceled for the day. The university has offered mental health counseling services through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to support grieving students, faculty, and staff.

Recovery and investigation efforts were carried out by various agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, De Soto Police Department, Carbondale Fire Department, Carbondale Public Works Department, and Illinois State Police. The roadway, North Illinois Avenue, was closed for several hours as crews worked to clear the scene, but was reopened by 11:30 a.m.

The City of Carbondale expressed profound sorrow for the loss of these young men and extended their deepest sympathy to their families and loved ones. As the community mourns this devastating loss, thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of Wolfgang Gustaveson and Frank Martinez.