Thursday night's storms in Evanston turned a quiet block into an emergency scene when a large tree split and came crashing through the windshield of a blue SUV, according to neighbors. A nearby resident who spotted the wreck said she heard someone crying for help and sprinted over, helping free a wounded passenger while emergency crews worked to cut the tree away from the vehicle.
According to CBS News Chicago, the crash happened on the 800-block of Brown Street and involved a blue sport-utility vehicle carrying a mother, her daughter and one other person. Fire officials told the outlet that three people were hurt, including at least one woman who suffered a deep cut to her leg when a branch pierced the windshield. Two occupants were taken to a local hospital, and a family member later said the injured woman remains hospitalized for treatment.
Storms toppled trees across Evanston and stalled transit
Strong winds and heavy rain knocked down large limbs and blocked streets across the North Shore, prompting multiple rescues and disrupting transit service, as ABC7 Chicago reported. Neighbors said the tree that smashed into the SUV appeared rotted in the center and that residents had previously raised concerns about trimming and maintenance.
Neighbor: 'I didn't even know someone was in there'
Kitanya Robertson, who spoke to CBS News Chicago, said she ran toward the sound of someone crying. "I didn't even know someone was in there until she started crying for help," Robertson recalled. She and other bystanders stayed with the victims and tried to comfort them until firefighters arrived and began cutting away branches to free the SUV and treat the injured.
Responders worked through the night
Crews worked late into the night clearing downed limbs and helping stranded residents. ABC7 Chicago noted that firefighters also used chainsaws and ropes to carve a safe path and guide passengers from a derailed Yellow Line train elsewhere in Evanston after trees fell onto the tracks. Public-works and emergency teams remained on scene into Friday morning, removing hazards and reopening roads.
Neighbors called the Brown Street crash a stark reminder of the risks posed by aging street trees as summer storm season ramps up. The family involved in the SUV incident is now focused on recovery while cleanup continues across the neighborhood.
