UPDATE, 5:21 p.m.:
LUDLOW — A Rantoul woman died Friday due to injuries sustained in a head-on collision that closed U.S. 45 near Ludlow.
Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer reported that Shirley Jones, 91, was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:08 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
The incident occurred at U.S. 45 and North Oak Street, involving one southbound vehicle with one occupant and a northbound vehicle carrying three occupants. The conditions of the other individuals remain unconfirmed.
Ludlow Fire Chief Nathan Quinlan stated that emergency services were dispatched at 11:45 a.m. Mutual aid was provided by Rantoul and Paxton Fire Departments. Illinois State Police and Rantoul Police also responded at the scene.
According to State Police Lt. Mark Holley, both lanes of U.S. 45 reopened at 4:05 p.m.
Authorities continue to investigate the accident.
Original story, published at 2:26 p.m.:
LUDLOW — Emergency crews are responding to a traffic accident on U.S. 45 near Ludlow that has resulted in a highway closure.
The Paxton Fire Department confirmed that agencies including Rantoul and Ludlow Fire Departments are on-site.
Traffic is being rerouted to rural roads away from the crash area. Motorists are advised to avoid U.S. 45 in the Ludlow vicinity until further notice.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.