Available 
Third Lake, IL (January 21, 2026) – Two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries on Tuesday morning following two separate but closely timed crashes involving six vehicles near Route 45 and Rollins Rd in Third Lake. Emergency crews from multiple departments responded to the scene, treating several individuals and clearing a heavily impacted intersection.
Key Details
- Location: Third Lake, Illinois
- Where: Route 45 & Rollins Rd
- Type: Multi-Vehicle Accident
- Reported: January 20, at approximately 9:55 a.m.
- Injuries: Confirmed – Two people transported with non-life-threatening injuries
- Responding Agency: Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Grayslake Fire Protection District, Gurnee Fire Department
What We Know So Far
- Two crashes occurred back-to-back at Route 45 and Rollins Rd involving a total of six vehicles.
- The second crash happened just east of the intersection in the eastbound lanes of Rollins Rd.
- Two people were transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
- Five other individuals were evaluated but declined transport and were released at the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether weather or road conditions contributed to the crashes.
- The sequence of events leading to the initial and secondary collisions.
- If citations will be issued following the investigation.
- The full extent of damage to all vehicles involved.
Local Context
Route 45 and Rollins Rd serve as a busy corridor in Third Lake, where traffic volumes can spike during morning hours. The crashes occurred near the intersection where multiple lanes converge, making it a complex area for emergency response. Responders from both the Grayslake and Gurnee fire departments coordinated efforts at the scene, balancing the need for medical evaluations with clearing the roadway quickly to alleviate traffic congestion. Tow trucks from Wildwood Service and Antioch Automotive removed all six vehicles after evaluations were completed. Early information suggests a rapid response to a multifaceted incident that briefly shut down part of the westbound Rollins Rd near Grand Ave.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
FAQ
Q: What should drivers do when approaching an active crash scene?
A: Drivers should slow down, move over if possible, and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. This keeps everyone safe and prevents secondary accidents.
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: Multiple vehicles often mean more injured parties, complex scene assessments, and a greater need for coordination between agencies and tow services.
Q: Who decides whether citations are issued after a crash?
A: Responding law enforcement officers evaluate evidence at the scene and determine if any traffic laws were violated before issuing citations.
