Two people were killed, and two others were seriously injured, on Friday evening after a violent two-car collision at 35th Street and Highland Avenue in west suburban Downers Grove. The crash happened around 6:55 p.m., shutting down the busy intersection as first responders worked the scene into the night. According to police, a vehicle turning north onto Highland from 35th struck a car that was heading south.
What the police reported
As reported by CBS Chicago, the driver of the turning vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger from that same car was taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Two people who were in the southbound car were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. Downers Grove police told CBS that the DuPage M.E.R.I.T. Major Crash Reconstruction Team is on the scene investigating what led up to the collision.
Where it happened
The wreck unfolded at the Highland and 35th intersection, a stretch the village's transportation plan has flagged for narrow bridges and pockets of fast-moving traffic. The corridor also serves as a heavily used connector for local commuters and for access to nearby commercial areas. As outlined in materials from Downers Grove, both Highland and 35th have been identified as locations where engineering changes may be warranted.
Investigators' work
DuPage's MERIT group is a multi-agency team that assists local departments with complex investigations, including major crash reconstruction and detailed scene analysis. The Oak Brook Police Department and other DuPage agencies describe MERIT as a specialized unit trained to determine pre-impact speeds and impact points that help recreate collisions. Officials have not released the victims' names and say the investigation remains active.
Hospital and next steps
One passenger was taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, which lists its address as 3815 Highland Ave. The hospital and police have not released identities or additional details, and investigators say they will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Downers Grove police kept the intersection closed for hours while evidence was collected and traffic was diverted. Hoodline will update this story if the department releases further information or a public statement.
