One person was killed and another hospitalized after a fiery five-vehicle crash tore through the inbound Kennedy Expressway on Chicago's Northwest Side late Tuesday night, leaving behind a scorched tangle of metal and miles of backups.
The Chicago Fire Department said one victim died at the scene and another was rushed to a hospital. The crash was reported around 10:21 p.m., according to ABC7 Chicago, as flames lit up the inbound lanes and emergency crews scrambled to shut down traffic and get water on the blaze.
Where It Happened
The pileup unfolded in the inbound express lanes near Sayre Avenue, wedged between the Harlem and Nagle exits on the Northwest Side. It is the same stretch of the Kennedy that has seen other multi-vehicle crashes force full lane closures in recent months, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Emergency Response
Firefighters and paramedics remained on the scene as they knocked down the flames, checked vehicles, and treated the injured. All lanes were shut for hours while crews worked to clear the burned-out wreckage and make the roadway safe again, ABC7 Chicago reported. Authorities had not released the identities of those involved.
Investigation
State and city investigators are expected to comb through the damaged vehicles and any available video footage to piece together how the five-car chain reaction started. As of early Wednesday, officials had not announced any suspected cause or potential charges.
The shutdown served as another harsh reminder of how quickly the Kennedy can grind to a halt. Drivers on the Northwest Side were warned to brace for lingering delays near Sayre Avenue while investigators continue their work and cleanup crews finish clearing the scene.
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