A devastating scene unfolded late Wednesday on the Kennedy Expressway where a refrigerated semi-truck carrying meat overturned, resulting in the death of the driver. The Illinois State Police confirmed the accident took place near Belmont Avenue, engendering significant traffic delays as lanes in both directions were subsequently closed for investigation and cleanup efforts.
Initially reported by ABC 7 Chicago, the semi-truck was traveling in the southbound lanes before it capsized. Overturned while carrying its cargo, the driver was transported to a hospital where death was pronounced. As the morning commute picked up, the impact of the crash was felt by commuters; with vehicles backed up and movement slowed to a crawl.
According to details from the Illinois State Police, obtained by WGN-TV, the incident occurred just after 11:30 p.m. when the truck rolled over the divider separating inbound local and outbound express lanes. No other vehicles were involved in the accident which further investigations are still pending to discern its cause.
Despite the early chaos, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police effectively managed to clear the scene and reopen all lanes by approximately 6:30 a.m. However, the aftermath of the evening's events was evident as time rendered, delaying travel from downtown Chicago to O'Hare International Airport to an upwards of 2 hours and 20 minutes well into the 7 o'clock hour, remarked both agencies.
ISP's confirmation of the fatality added a somber note to the morning, reminding us of the inherent risks associated with the transport industry and the unpredictable nature of road travel.
