A quiet Wednesday morning in central Illinois turned tragic when 49-year-old Lulije Cosentino lost her life in a two-vehicle crash along Interstate 39 near Minonk.
According to authorities, emergency crews were called to the southbound lanes of I-39 near Mile Marker 22 at approximately 9:49 a.m. after reports of a serious collision involving two vehicles. Responders rushed to the scene and immediately began assessing the situation.
Investigators said Cosentino, a resident of Dixon, Illinois, was driving one of the vehicles involved in the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that her vehicle was struck from behind, leading to the deadly incident.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, Cosentino suffered fatal injuries. The Woodford County Coroner’s Office confirmed that she was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 11 a.m.
The crash occurred near Minonk, a small community in Woodford County situated between Bloomington-Normal and the Peoria metropolitan area. Interstate 39 serves as one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors, carrying a steady flow of passenger vehicles and commercial traffic every day.
Authorities remained at the scene for several hours as investigators documented evidence, examined the vehicles involved, and worked to piece together exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.
Officials have not released information about the second vehicle involved in the crash. It also remains unclear whether anyone else suffered injuries during the incident.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Woodford County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy will be performed. Toxicology testing has also been ordered in accordance with standard procedures.
The Woodford County Sheriff’s Department and the Woodford County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the fatal crash. Additional details may be released as investigators complete their review and determine the factors that contributed to the collision.
