Chicago, IL (February 16, 2026) – A four-car crash with injuries was reported Sunday morning on the Kennedy Expy near Pulaski Rd on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The collision occurred February 15 at approximately 10:22 a.m., according to public safety radio traffic.
Key Details
- Location: Kennedy Expy at Pulaski Rd, Chicago
- Reported: February 15 at 10:22 a.m.
- Type: Four-car crash with injuries
- Direction: Southbound lanes
- Response: Chicago Fire Department and Illinois State Police en route
What We Know So Far
- Dispatch audio indicated a multi-vehicle collision involving four vehicles in the southbound lanes of the Kennedy Expy near Pulaski Rd.
- Injuries were reported at the scene.
- Fire department units and Illinois State Police responded to assist.
- Traffic in the area may have been affected while crews worked to secure the scene.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The total number of people injured.
- The severity of the reported injuries.
- The events that led to the four-vehicle crash.
- Whether any citations were issued.
Local Context
The Kennedy Expy, part of I-90/I-94, is one of Chicago’s busiest expressways, carrying heavy commuter traffic between downtown and the Northwest Side. The southbound lanes near Pulaski Rd are a key stretch where drivers often merge and adjust speeds as they approach interchanges and exits. Multi-vehicle crashes on this corridor can quickly cause backups due to high traffic volumes and limited shoulder space. When incidents involving injuries occur here, Illinois State Police and Chicago Fire crews typically coordinate to manage traffic flow, assist those hurt, and clear damaged vehicles from the roadway.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs immediate medical attention.
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy expressways.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can continue after lanes reopen.
FAQ
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeway crashes often involve higher speeds and dense traffic, which can increase the risk of serious injuries and secondary collisions.
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: Collisions involving several vehicles require additional documentation, coordination with tow services, and careful removal of debris before traffic can fully resume.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Officers work to secure the area, assess injuries, speak with drivers and witnesses, and document the scene before reopening affected lanes.