An early morning collision in Joliet has claimed the life of a 77-year-old woman on Wednesday, police report. The fatal incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. at the intersection of Essington and Caton Farm Roads. According to ABC 7 Chicago, a Buick Enclave, driven by a 71-year-old man and with an elderly woman as passenger, attempted a left turn onto Caton Farm Road when it was struck by a Ford F-150. The F-150, operated by a 19-year-old Crest Hill resident, hit the Buick squarely on the passenger side. All involved were transported to nearby hospitals, where the woman succumbed to her injuries.
The specifics of the accident are still being examined by Joliet police, but preliminary evidence suggests that a traffic signal confusion may have been a factor. "It is believed that the traffic light was green for both northbound and southbound lanes of Essington Road," police said in a statement obtained by ABC 7 Chicago. The intersection was closed following the crash as investigators combed through the scene.
Further details provided by FOX 32 Chicago note that the drivers of the two vehicles sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin by the Will County Coroner's Office.
Joliet police are currently seeking assistance from the public to piece together exactly what transpired. Anyone with a video of the crash or who may have witnessed it is encouraged to come forward. "Anyone with information or video of the crash is asked to contact Joliet police at (815) 724-3193," according to a statement provided by FOX 32 Chicago.
