Silvis, IL (April 2, 2026) – Several people were seriously injured in a head-on crash on Wednesday, April 1, along John Deere Road near Crosstown Avenue in Silvis.
Emergency units responded around 8:30 p.m. after a pickup truck crossed the center median into oncoming traffic and struck a passenger van. The impact caused significant injuries among multiple occupants inside the van, with some described as potentially life-threatening.
One passenger was airlifted to a regional hospital, while others were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as 21-year-old Janine Mawazo, was taken to a hospital, treated, and later taken into custody. She now faces a charge of aggravated driving under the influence.
The crash remains under investigation, and additional details may be released as authorities continue their review. Our thoughts remain with those affected as they continue to receive care and recover from their injuries.
How Median Crossovers Can Lead to Severe Head-On Crashes
When a vehicle crosses a median into oncoming traffic, the risk of a head-on crash increases sharply. These collisions often involve direct impact between vehicles traveling in opposite directions, which can lead to serious injuries.
Median barriers are designed to reduce this type of crash, but not all roads have them. On roads without strong separation, a vehicle that loses control or veers off course may enter opposing lanes.
Speed, road conditions, and driver impairment can all contribute to these incidents. When vehicles collide head-on, the combined force of both vehicles can result in more severe outcomes than other types of crashes.
