Downers Grove, IL (March 28, 2026) – Two people were killed, and two others were seriously injured following a crash Thursday evening at an intersection in Downers Grove.
Authorities said the collision occurred just before 7 p.m. at Highland Avenue and 35th Street. According to preliminary reports, a vehicle attempting to turn north onto Highland Avenue from eastbound 35th Street was struck by a southbound vehicle.
The driver of the turning vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the same vehicle was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in critical condition but later died from their injuries. The driver and passenger in the second vehicle were both taken to area hospitals with serious injuries.
Police, along with the DuPage M.E.R.I.T. Major Crash Reconstruction Team, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing, and more details may be released as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victims’ families and loved ones, and we wish a full recovery to those injured.
Why Intersection Crashes During Turns Can Be Deadly
Crashes involving turning vehicles at intersections are often severe due to the crossing of traffic paths, which can place vehicles directly in one another’s line of travel. These situations frequently lead to side-impact or “T-bone” collisions, which can cause significant damage and increase the risk of injury.
When a driver misjudges the speed of an oncoming vehicle or fails to yield the right of way, approaching drivers may not have enough time or distance to stop or safely avoid a collision. Even a brief lapse in judgment can quickly escalate into a serious crash, especially in busy or high-speed intersections.
Investigators typically analyze vehicle positions, right-of-way rules, and traffic signal timing to determine how these types of crashes happen. They may also review witness statements, surveillance footage, and any available vehicle data to better understand the sequence of events leading up to the incident.