Freeport, IL (August 29, 2026) – Several people were injured on Thursday afternoon, August 27, in a multi-vehicle crash on IL-26 near Winneshiek Road in rural Freeport. Deputies responded after reports of a collision involving multiple vehicles.
Several vehicles were stopped in the southbound lanes while Illinois Department of Transportation crews painted roadway lines. A semi tractor and tanker trailer then struck the rear of a stopped vehicle, pushing it into another vehicle.
Both vehicles left the roadway and entered a cemetery on the east side of IL-26. Before the semi and tanker stopped, it also struck a third vehicle from behind, pushing that vehicle into a ditch on the west side of the highway.
Firefighters had to extricate the driver of the first vehicle. Other drivers and passengers were taken to local hospitals with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The semi driver, identified as 30-year-old Scott Messina, was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and later released with a mandatory court appearance.
IL-26 was closed for about two hours while emergency crews assisted those involved and cleared the roadway. The incident remains under review.
Our thoughts are with everyone injured as they recover.
What Should Drivers Know About Stopped Traffic in Work Zones?
Drivers approaching stopped traffic near roadway work should reduce their speed and prepare for vehicles to slow or stop suddenly. Construction and maintenance operations can change normal traffic patterns and create unexpected backups.
Large trucks need additional distance to stop, particularly when carrying heavy equipment or cargo. Drivers should leave enough space ahead of their vehicles and remain alert for changing traffic conditions.
Roadway crews may also require lanes to be restricted while work is underway. Motorists should watch for signs, markings, and other traffic controls while passing through active work areas.
