Heavy traffic and “extended” lane closures were expected on the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) in the southwest suburbs after a two-vehicle crash involving a semi, with reports saying the truck became engulfed in flames and morning rush hour commuters stuck in the backup.
The crash happened about 2:30 a.m. on I-55 southbound at Lemont Road in Darien, the Illinois State Police said.
A preliminary investigation from ISP said the crash involved a truck-tractor semi-trailer and a passenger vehicle, with two people transported to a nearby hospital with injuries.
The crash also led to a fuel spill, ISP said, with all lanes closed and traffic diverted onto Lemont Road. At one point, the truck was “fully engulfed in flames,” TrafficNet reported.
“Extended” lane blockages can be expected in both the north and southbound lanes, ISP said, with officials warning drivers to seek alternate routes if possible.
Video was captured from the scene, on the Stevenson Expressway during the morning rush hour commute Friday, with major traffic impacts expected.
Photos and video captured from the scene from witnesses showed extensive damage, with what appeared to be a badly burned truck on its side.
As of 6:30 a.m., the early morning crash was still impacting traffic with heavy backups, NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin said.
Circumstances surrounding the crash weren’t immediately available.
