Available 
Chicago, IL (June 21, 2026) – At least one person was hurt in a traffic accident involving a Chicago Fire Department truck early on Saturday morning, June 20, along the Eisenhower Expressway.
According to the Illinois State Police, the collision happened around 1:55 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 290 near California Avenue. A firetruck was parked on the shoulder alongside a vehicle connected to an earlier roadway emergency when a white Lexus struck the front of the truck and then a white Toyota.
One person was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Information about the extent of the person’s injuries was not immediately released.
The eastbound lanes of I-290 were temporarily closed following the collision while crews worked in the roadway. Traffic restrictions were later lifted, and all lanes reopened. Detectives are continuing to examine the factors that led to the chain-reaction crash.
We hope the person injured in this roadway emergency makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Secondary Crashes Can Be Especially Dangerous on Highways
Secondary crashes occur when a driver encounters an existing roadside emergency and is unable to avoid vehicles, equipment, or traffic that has already slowed or stopped. These types of crashes are common on busy highways, particularly during overnight hours when visibility may be reduced.
Emergency vehicles parked along the shoulders frequently use flashing lights and warning devices to alert approaching motorists. Even so, drivers can become distracted, misjudge distances, or fail to move over in time. High travel speeds on interstates can make these situations more severe than typical roadway collisions.
Following a major highway crash, investigators usually review vehicle positions, roadway conditions, visibility, traffic patterns, and witness statements. Information gathered during this process can help explain how the sequence of events unfolded and may contribute to future roadway safety efforts.
