A Sunday night drive turned tragic in Homewood when a 14-year-old passenger was killed in a chain-reaction crash at the busy intersection of 183rd Street and Governors Highway. Police say the driver who triggered the wreck took off on foot, but officers later placed him under arrest. Several others were hurt.
What officials say
Around 8:17 p.m., a southbound gray Chevy Equinox veered off Governors Highway and slammed into a black Buick Park Avenue and a black Nissan Rogue, according to ABC7 Chicago. Police said the 36-year-old Equinox driver ran from the scene but was taken into custody.
A 14-year-old passenger in the Nissan died. The Nissan’s 27-year-old driver was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The 31-year-old driver of the Buick and a 33-year-old passenger in that vehicle were treated for minor injuries.
183rd Street safety concerns
The crash happened along a stretch of 183rd Street that neighbors have been worried about for years. A 2021 Burns & McDonnell traffic study examined crash patterns along the corridor and recommended changes, from signal upgrades to medians, to cut down on collisions, according to the HF Chronicle.
Residents and village trustees have debated options such as stepped-up traffic enforcement and reconfiguring lanes to slow speeds and reduce conflict points. The Sunday wreck is likely to add new urgency to that ongoing debate.
Investigation
Homewood police said detectives have opened an investigation into the crash. On the village’s police press releases page, the department lists an entry titled “Fatal Traffic Crash — 183rd & Governors,” though officials have so far released only limited details. It remains unclear what specific criminal charges, if any, the Equinox driver might ultimately face.
What’s next
Investigators and prosecutors are reviewing the wreckage, witness statements, and any available video evidence, ABC7 Chicago reported. Authorities said the case remains active and that more information will be released as the investigation moves forward.
The village’s red-light camera listing shows cameras at eastbound 183rd at Governors Highway and at northbound Governors Highway at 183rd Street. Homewood police asked anyone with video or information about the crash to call the Criminal Investigations Unit at 708-206-3420. Camera locations can be found on the village’s Homewood citations page.
