Shorewood, IL (July 9, 2026) – One person was seriously hurt on Tuesday evening, July 7, after a motorcycle and an SUV were involved in a collision on the northbound lanes of I-55 near U.S. Route 52.
The wreck was reported at about 5:22 p.m. Emergency units arrived and found the motorcycle and SUV involved along the interstate. One person was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. The person’s identity and current status have not been released.
Traffic was affected as crews worked along the highway, with lane closures and traffic diversions put in place during the response. Drivers experienced delays while the roadway was partially restricted.
Additional information about the accident had not been made public as of this report.
The cause of the collision remains under review as investigators continue to gather information.
We hope the person injured makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Helicopters Are Sometimes Used After Serious Highway Crashes
Air ambulances are usually requested when a person has severe injuries or when getting them to a trauma center quickly is a priority. Medical helicopters allow patients to receive advanced care while traveling to hospitals equipped to handle critical injuries.
The decision to use air transport depends on several factors, including the person’s medical needs, the distance to an appropriate hospital, and roadway conditions that could delay ground transportation. Helicopter crews work alongside emergency personnel to stabilize patients before and during the flight. In many cases, this rapid transport can reduce the time it takes for someone with life-threatening injuries to reach specialized medical care. Even when a helicopter is used, medical evaluations continue after arrival at the hospital to determine the full extent of a person’s injuries and the treatment they require.
