2 Mattoon girls killed in Coles County crash

LOXA — Authorities in east-central Illinois are investigating a crash that killed two Mattoon girls and injured six other people.

The accident happened Wednesday in rural Coles County. Illinois State Police officials say a 2003 Chevrolet van went out of control near Loxa and crossed into oncoming traffic where it struck a semitrailer truck.

Police say the van overturned and landed in a ditch. Seven of the eight people in the van were ejected from the vehicle.

Authorities say 12-year-old Tanisha Madigan and 15-year-old Harley Madigan were both pronounced dead at area hospitals.

Police say the van's driver was ticketed for improper lane usage, not wearing a seat belt, not having a valid driver's license, driving an uninsured vehicle and speeding.