CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Nov. 3, 2026 — One person was taken to a hospital after a crash involving two commercial trucks and a car shut down the inbound Kennedy Expressway on Monday afternoon, November 2, triggering a hazmat spill and miles of backups.
The Illinois State Police said troopers responded around 2:34 p.m. to the southbound lanes of Interstate 90 at Kimball Avenue for a crash involving two commercial motor vehicles and a passenger car. Injuries were reported at the scene.
Southbound lanes were closed while fire crews worked to contain a diesel spill from the wreck. One person was taken to an area hospital with injuries that have not been specified.
Traffic backed up for roughly 3.5 miles, from North Harlem Avenue to North Kedzie Avenue, as crews worked the scene. Images from the area showed Chicago Fire Department vehicles blocking all lanes during the cleanup.
Investigators continue reviewing the collision. We hope those who were hurt recover quickly.
More on Crashes in Chicago, IL
The crash was reported at I-90 and Kimball Avenue in Chicago. Local crash statistics, the steps for getting a police report and nearby trauma centers are on our Chicago crash data and police report guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions affect the chances of a crash like this?
Wet pavement, poor visibility, and heavy traffic volume can all make it harder for drivers to react in time, especially on busy expressways where vehicles are moving at high speed in close quarters.
What should someone do right after being involved in a highway crash?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, call 911, and wait for police or fire crews to arrive, particularly if a hazardous material spill is involved.
Where do most highway crashes tend to happen?
Crashes frequently cluster near highway interchanges, merge points, and areas with heavy commercial truck traffic, where speed differences between vehicles are greatest.
What can drivers do to stay safer on expressways?
Keeping a safe following distance, staying alert near trucks, and slowing down in congested or construction areas can lower the chance of being involved in a multi-vehicle crash.