Available 
Chicago, IL (March 2, 2026) – Six people were hospitalized early Sunday morning, March 1, after a chain-reaction crash in the Roscoe Village neighborhood.
Police said the collision happened just after 3:20 a.m. near West Addison Street and North Western Avenue. Investigators reported that a black Honda sedan traveling eastbound on Addison ran a red light and struck a white Toyota SUV that was facing southbound on Western.
The force of the crash caused the SUV to flip and hit a light pole. The Honda then lost control and collided with a black Toyota sedan that was facing northbound on Western.
The 21-year-old Honda driver and two passengers, a woman and a 22-year-old man, were hospitalized in critical condition with head injuries. The 57-year-old SUV driver and his 37-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital in fair condition with head cuts. The 41-year-old driver of the Toyota sedan was hospitalized for evaluation.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. We extend our thoughts to those injured and wish them a full recovery.
What Leads to Chain-Reaction Crashes at Intersections?
Chain-reaction crashes often begin when one vehicle fails to stop at a red light. When traffic is moving in different directions, a single impact can quickly involve multiple cars.
High speeds through intersections increase the force of a collision. A vehicle struck from the side may spin, flip, or slide into other traffic, creating additional impacts.
Injuries can vary depending on seat belt use, airbag deployment, and the angle of impact. Intersections with heavy traffic during late-night or early-morning hours can also present added risks due to reduced visibility and driver fatigue.
