At least three people were killed in a violent crash on the Kennedy Expressway early Sunday morning, according to Illinois State Police. The collision happened in the inbound lanes at Washington Boulevard, shutting down inbound traffic while troopers worked the scene and triggering a major backup for drivers heading into downtown Chicago. Many commuters peeled off onto surface streets, clogging nearby neighborhoods as the closure dragged on.
What officials say
As reported by ABC7 Chicago, Illinois State Police said the crash occurred in the inbound lanes at Washington Boulevard and that those lanes remained closed while investigators documented the scene. ABC7 noted that additional details, including the identities of the victims and what led up to the collision, were not immediately available.
Traffic impact and context
The Kennedy is a direct pipeline into the Loop, so a shutdown at Washington Boulevard can quickly ripple across downtown, clogging major arterials during the morning rush. The corridor is also in the middle of a multi-year rehabilitation project; Hoodline's coverage of the multi-year rehab plan notes frequent lane shifts and overnight work that have already tightened margins for drivers using the expressway. Motorists can keep tabs on current conditions through IDOT's traveler map and camera feeds at GettingAroundIllinois.com.
What’s next
State troopers are continuing to investigate the crash and are expected to release more information once it is available. This story will be updated as officials share additional details.
