Chicago, IL (February 12, 2026) – A pedestrian was struck and killed on the westbound lanes of the Eisenhower Expressway near Kostner Avenue on Chicago’s West Side. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM when a man reportedly ran across the expressway and was hit by a vehicle. Illinois State Police confirmed the pedestrian died from injuries at an area hospital. Outbound traffic was shut down between Kostner and Cicero avenues while emergency responders handled the scene. All lanes reopened by approximately 11:04 PM.
Key Details
- Reported: February 10, 7:30 PM
- Location: Westbound I-290 at Kostner Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Incident Type: Pedestrian struck and killed
- Cause: Pedestrian ran across the expressway and was struck by a vehicle
- Traffic Impact: Outbound I-290 lanes shut down between Kostner and Cicero avenues
What We Know So Far
- The crash occurred on the westbound lanes of I-290 near Kostner Avenue.
- A man was reportedly running across the expressway when he was hit by a car.
- The pedestrian was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
- Outbound traffic was disrupted between Kostner and Cicero avenues, and all lanes reopened by 11:04 PM.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The identity of the pedestrian has not been released.
- The reason the pedestrian was on the expressway remains unclear.
- Details regarding the vehicle involved in the incident are still pending.
Local Context
The Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) is a major highway running through Chicago, with significant traffic flowing between downtown and the western suburbs. The area near Kostner Avenue is densely populated, with nearby neighborhoods such as Garfield Park and Lawndale seeing frequent commuter and local traffic.
What to Do Next
- If you are involved in a similar accident, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with law enforcement. Fleeing the scene can result in serious consequences.
- If you witness a crash, provide a statement to authorities if it is safe to do so.
- Monitor traffic updates in case of further road closures or delays in the area.
FAQ
Q: What should drivers do when approaching an active crash scene?
A: Drivers should reduce speed, stay alert, and follow any instructions from emergency responders or traffic control officers.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeway crashes can be hazardous due to high speeds, congested traffic, and the increased risk of secondary collisions.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Police secure the area, assess the situation, document evidence, and collect statements from involved parties and witnesses.