H&RStaffReport

ARTHUR - A motorcyclist was injured seriously Monday morning when police say his machine slammed into the side of a car while traveling at a high rate of speed. The car driver was also injured and had to be cut from the wreckage of her vehicle.

Illinois State Police said the accident happened at 8:55 a.m. on Illinois 133 at Palmer Street in Arthur. The motorcyclist, Howard J. Helmuth, 39, Arthur, was airlifted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana with what police describe as "extensive injuries." He was not wearing a helmet. Information on his condition was unavailable Monday night.

The car driver, Brenda Coleman, 66, Arthur, was taken to Decatur Memorial Hospital for treatment. A condition update on Coleman was also unavailable.

Police said Helmuth was westbound on Illinois 133 approaching Palmer Street when Coleman turned left from Palmer Street to head eastbound on Illinois 133 when the motorcycle hit the left side of her vehicle.