CREST HILL, IL — The community of Crest Hill is reeling after a tragic accident on Friday afternoon claimed the life of a woman and left three others injured. According to Crest Hill Police Chief Ed Clark, the fatal crash occurred shortly after 12:15 p.m. along Route 53 near Renwick Road, involving a Jeep Wrangler and a semi-tractor trailer.
Police say the collision was severe enough to eject the woman driving the Jeep from the vehicle. Emergency responders from Lockport Township quickly arrived on scene and transported her to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where she was later pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. Her identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family.
Three passengers — one adult male and two juveniles — were also in the Jeep at the time of the crash. They sustained various injuries and were transported to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.
Chief Clark confirmed that the Illinois State Police (ISP) were called in to assist with crash reconstruction efforts. The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine the factors that led to the collision, including the potential role of speed, road conditions, or driver distraction.
The semi-tractor trailer driver remained on scene and is said to be cooperating fully with investigators. No citations or charges have been announced at this time.
The area surrounding Route 53 and Renwick Road was closed for several hours as investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. Traffic has since reopened.
Residents and local leaders have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing the stretch of Route 53 as a notoriously dangerous area for motorists. Community members have already begun sharing condolences and prayers for the victims’ families on social media.
Chief Clark extended his department’s sympathies, stating, “This is a devastating incident that affects not only the families involved but the entire community. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact the Crest Hill Police Department or Illinois State Police to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Leave a Reply