UPDATE: A devastating series of multi-vehicle crashes on I-57 in Calumet Park has left three dead and at least five injured early Wednesday morning. Illinois State Police confirmed the tragic incidents began shortly after midnight, disrupting the morning commute for many.
The chaos unfolded when an initial accident involving three vehicles triggered a chain reaction. A subsequent collision occurred as a separate vehicle struck three individuals standing outside their cars at the scene of the first crash. The northbound lanes of I-57 were immediately closed at 119th Street, leading to significant traffic delays that extended into surrounding areas, including West Pullman, Blue Island, and Posen.
Traffic reporter Kye Martin noted, “It’s locking you in as you come in from the south suburbs,” highlighting the extensive backups during the height of rush hour. The road remained shut down until approximately 8 a.m., severely impacting commuters’ travel plans for hours.
The aftermath of the crashes was dire. The three individuals struck were pronounced dead at the scene, while five others were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries reported as non-life-threatening. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased and are investigating whether weather conditions played a role in the series of accidents.
In a heart-wrenching account, survivor Arthur Thomas spoke to WGN-TV about a distressing call he received from his daughter, who was involved in the incident. “My daughter called me and told me that somebody had hit her, and she had tried to chase them down, and they ran her off the road,” Thomas recounted. His daughter’s experience underscores the human impact of this tragic event.
Cleanup efforts at the crash site continued into the morning with firefighters and tow trucks working diligently. As investigations proceed, authorities remain on scene to determine the exact cause of the accidents.
This developing story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on our roadways. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
