An 18-year-old man from Gilberts is fighting for his life after a single-vehicle accident that occurred Saturday night on Powers Road, near the I-90 bridge; authorities from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident that led to the critical injuries of Matthew Miedema, according to reports provided by The Chicago Tribune.
Miedema was behind the wheel of a 2012 Hyundai Sonata traveling at a high speed when he veered off the road after attempting to navigate a sharp curve and his vehicle, struggling for command, careered off the east side shoulder into a tree, per the same source, Miedema required emergency services to free him from the wreck before being transported to Advocate Sherman Hospital and subsequently airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital due to significant injuries sustained to his chest and liver.
Andrew Sthal, a 24-year-old front-seat passenger, was also involved in the crash but miraculously walked away without needing medical treatment at the scene as detailed by The Daily Herald.
Officials noted that the vehicle's airbags did deploy upon impact, however, it is yet to be determined if seatbelts were in use, the crash has thoroughly damaged the front end of the car, and while speed is considered a major factor leading to the accident alcohol does not seem to be involved at this time, the Kane County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation in the matter, and no citations have been issued as of Monday.
