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Chicago, IL (March 9, 2026) – A child and a woman were injured after being struck by a vehicle Sunday afternoon in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. The crash occurred shortly after 1:15 p.m. in the 400 block of East Illinois Street.
Emergency units responded after a gray Toyota minivan struck two pedestrians who were attempting to cross the intersection. The victims were identified as a 65-year-old woman and a 5-year-old child.
The woman suffered head and neck injuries and was taken to Northwestern Hospital, where she was listed in serious condition. The child suffered lower-body injuries and was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital. Officials said the child was treated and later released.
The driver, a 53-year-old man, was not injured but was taken to Northwestern Hospital for observation. He was later released and received a citation in connection with the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts remain with those affected as they continue to receive care and recover from their injuries.
Pedestrian Safety at Busy Downtown Intersections
Busy urban corridors such as East Illinois Street often carry steady vehicle traffic while also serving large numbers of pedestrians. In areas like downtown Chicago, people frequently cross streets near shops, offices, and residential buildings, increasing interaction between vehicles and those on foot.
These crashes occur when drivers and pedestrians approach intersections at the same time. Factors such as traffic signal timing, turning vehicles, and visibility can affect how easily drivers notice people crossing the road.
Urban intersections include multiple lanes, parked vehicles, and heavy traffic flow. These conditions can limit sight lines or reduce reaction time, especially during periods of high activity throughout the day.
