A collision between a small truck and a semi-trailer Monday night left two local teenage girls dead, an Illinois State Police press release stated.

The accident reportedly occurred just after 10 p.m. when the pickup truck the teenagers were driving missed a stop sign and hit the trailer.

Melissa G. Clayton, 18, and Heather N. Babbs, 19, were pronounced dead at 11:01 p.m. at the scene of the accident, according to Coles County Coroner Michael Nichols.

Trailer driver Brian D. Oakley, 35, a Charleston resident, was physically unharmed in the accident.

The pickup was reportedly dragged under the trailer for a few feet before exploding.

Nichols said the accident occurred on Route 130 and Fairfield Road exchange about five miles north of town.

The coroner and state police are continuing investigation of the accident.

Nichols said toxicology results are being determined by the state crime lab and will not likely be available for up to three weeks. An inquest date will then be scheduled.

Local resident Bill Hall, whose daughter attended Charleston High School with Clayton, said Clayton was a talented athlete.

“She was a center for the school’s basketball team and she ran track,” Hall said.

She also played softball for her high school and a county traveling team, was in her twelfth year as a Girl Scout and belonged to Wesley United Methodist Church.

Michael Clayton, Melissa’s father, is a university faculty member at Lantz arena.

Heather Babbs graduated from Charleston High School in 2002 and was enrolled at Lake Land College.

Babbs was studying cosmetology.

Visitation for Melissa G. Clayton is scheduled 5-9 p.m. tonight at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., and services will be held at 10 am. Thursday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth St.

Heather Babbs’ visitation is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Thursday.

City editor Carly Mullady can be reached at [email protected].