Authorities have released the names of the woman and infant who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Saturday in north suburban Highland Park.
The two-vehicle crash occurred at around 3:05 p.m. at the intersection of Park Avenue and Route 41.
Authorities said a 2026 Hyundai Sonata was headed northbound on Route 41 when it struck a 2006 Toyota Sienna that was turning southbound onto Route 41 from westbound Park Avenue. Joan Scaccia, 73, who was the driver of the Toyota, had to be freed from her vehicle by first responders and was taken to an area hospital, according to officials. She was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said a 21-month-old, who was in a car seat in the rear passenger side of the Hyundai, sustained life-threatening injuries and later died at the hospital. The infant was identified as Andre Paz, of Round Lake.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said preliminary autopsy results indicated both died from blunt force injuries as a result of the crash. A third person was also injured.
The crash prompted a five-hour closure of the intersection, with police asking drivers to avoid the area while they remained on the scene.
The incident remained under investigation by police and the Major Crash Assistance Team.
