Gurnee, IL (February 12, 2026) – Three people were injured Wednesday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash on the Tri-State Tollway near Gurnee, according to Illinois State Police.
Key Details
- Reported: February 11 at 4:10 p.m.
- Location: WB I-94 north of IL 137
- Crash Type: Multi-vehicle collision
- Injuries: Three people transported to the hospital
- Investigation: Illinois State Police handling the case
What We Know So Far
- Troopers responded to the westbound lanes of I-94 following reports of a crash.
- Three individuals were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
- The two left lanes of the Tri-State Tollway were closed as crews cleared damaged vehicles.
- Tow trucks were called to remove the involved vehicles from the roadway.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The total number of vehicles involved.
- The severity of the injuries sustained.
- What factors may have contributed to the collision.
- How long lane closures remained in effect.
Local Context
The stretch of Interstate 94 near Illinois Route 137 is a heavily traveled portion of the Tri-State Tollway serving drivers in Gurnee and surrounding north suburban communities. Westbound traffic in this area often includes commuters, commercial vehicles, and travelers heading toward Wisconsin. When a multi-vehicle crash occurs along this corridor, especially during afternoon hours, lane closures can quickly lead to backups. With two left lanes reportedly shut down, responders likely focused on assisting the injured, documenting the scene, and coordinating vehicle removal to restore traffic flow as safely and efficiently as possible.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy highways.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the area, as delays can develop quickly.
FAQ
Q: Why do highway crashes often lead to traffic backups?
A: Highway crashes can block one or more lanes, forcing drivers to merge unexpectedly. This can slow traffic significantly, especially during peak travel times.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Freeway crashes often occur at higher speeds, increasing the risk of serious injury and making secondary collisions more likely if traffic is not controlled quickly.
Q: Why might lanes remain blocked after injured people are helped?
A: Authorities may need additional time to investigate, document vehicle positions, and remove debris before fully reopening the roadway.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
