Belleville West Senior Killed in School Van Crash

17-year-old killed when van with Belleville West students, staff crashes in Cahokia Heights

Zer'Real B. Hinds, 17, of East St. Louis, died by blunt-force trauma in the van crash on Illinois Route 15 at Pocket Avenue.

Belleville West senior killed in school van crash

A 17-year-old Belleville West High School senior was killed Wednesday after the transportation van he was riding in crashed into a traffic light in Cahokia Heights and burst into flames.

Van Carrying Students Crashes

CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A van carrying Belleville West students crashed near Pocket Road and Illinois Route 15 around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, killing a 17-year-old student and sending multiple students to area hospitals. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The van apparently struck a light pole in the accident and also caught fire. First responders arrived quickly after being dispatched and transported some students to hospitals. …

Belleville West Van Crash Fire in Cahokia Heights, IL

A van carrying six Belleville West students and two adults crashed and caught fire in Cahokia Heights; authorities say one death is feared.