MARION – A man has been cited for multiple offenses including Aggravated DUI-Drug and Possession of Adult Use Cannabis in a Motor Vehicle in connection with a Friday afternoon head-on crash involving two vehicles on Illinois 37 near Maxine Lane south of Marion.

Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies responded at 3:45 p.m. and discovered that the driver, Joshua K. Jessie, was traveling north in his pickup truck towards a school bus in the southbound lane of traffic. Jessie got back into the correct lane of travel, overcorrected and struck the side of the school bus causing it to be partially pushed off the roadway. Jessie continued going north in the southbound lane crashing head-on into another vehicle.

The drivers of both vehicles were taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. As of Friday night, both drivers were doing well and in stable condition.

Deputies observed sufficient probable cause at the scene to conduct a DUI investigation.

Jessie was also cited for Improper Lane Usage, Fail to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, No Seat Belt and Operating an Uninsured Vehicle.

Jessie was not taken to the Williamson County Jail due to being in the hospital for his injuries.

Twenty-seven students were on the bus at the time of the accident. They were not injured. The students were taken to Marion Junior High School, per school protocol, where they were released to their parents.

The sheriff’s office says this matter has been referred to the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office and additional charges are anticipated.