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Chicago, IL (February 22, 2026) – Three people were injured early Sunday when a car crashed into a fire truck on Interstate 57 on Chicago’s South Side. The collision happened around 2:32 a.m. in the northbound lanes near 99th St.
State police said the fire truck had been parked with its emergency lights activated while crews responded to an earlier two-vehicle crash. The truck was blocking the left and center lanes at the time.
According to authorities, a silver Chevrolet failed to slow down and struck the front of the stationary fire truck. The impact caused significant damage and led to additional lane closures.
Three people were taken to the hospital and were reported to be in good condition. It was not immediately clear whether any of those injured were firefighters. All lanes reopened around 4:29 a.m.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our best wishes to those injured as they recover.
Why Secondary Crashes Are Common at Highway Emergency Scenes
Highway incidents often create dangerous conditions for both drivers and first responders. When emergency vehicles block lanes with lights flashing, approaching motorists must slow down and move over when possible.
Late-night and early-morning hours can increase risk. Reduced visibility and driver fatigue may limit reaction time. If a driver does not reduce speed quickly, the result can be a secondary crash involving emergency vehicles or other stopped cars.
Large vehicles like fire trucks are positioned to shield crash scenes and protect responders. While these vehicles are highly visible, drivers still need to stay alert and watch for changing traffic patterns. Slowing down near active scenes can help prevent additional injuries and keep everyone safer on busy interstates like I-57.
