A dramatic scene unfolded Tuesday afternoon when a car careened off the Edens Expressway and slammed into a Northbrook building, igniting a fire. The mishap occurred around 12 p.m. as the vehicle, heading east on Interstate 94, went off the road, barrelled across Frontage Road, and made impact at 1840 Skokie Blvd.
According to NBC Chicago, the "vehicle was fully involved in fire and was extinguished by Northbrook fire companies." The blaze reportedly caused external damage to the stricken building but did not penetrate its interior. While racing through the fence, the car also became involved in another accident, with at least one more vehicle on the scene, although details of this secondary crash remain sparse.
The driver, found to be the sole occupant of the flaming car, was promptly whisked away to Highland Park Hospital. The current status of their condition has not been disclosed as of yet. Witnesses at the scene describe an alarming sight, with one account, as told to CBS Chicago, revealing, "he saw the car fly over his head after it left the Edens Expressway."
Emergency responders acted quickly to quell the conflagration, which, aside from damaging the building, didn't cause any structural demise. The Illinois State Police have taken the helm in investigating the crash's precipitating factors. As the probe into what sparked this destructive detour continues, details will be updated accordingly.
