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Blue Island, IL (June 29, 2026) – A woman lost her life, and an Illinois Department of Transportation worker was hospitalized following a traffic collision along northbound I-57 near 127th Street in Blue Island early on Saturday morning, June 27.
According to state police, the roadway was closed at around 4:45 a.m. after a passenger vehicle and an IDOT SUV became involved in a collision. Both vehicles had pulled onto the left shoulder when a third vehicle struck them. Jocilyn Buckley, 27, of Oak Lawn, was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her identity.
The IDOT employee was taken to a hospital after being hurt. No update on the worker’s medical status was immediately available. During the investigation, two northbound lanes remained closed while traffic moved along the right shoulder. All lanes reopened at approximately 9:30 a.m.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and additional details have not been released at the time of publication.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends mourning their loved one.
Why Secondary Crashes on Highway Shoulders Can Be So Dangerous
Highway shoulders are designed to provide a temporary refuge for disabled vehicles and emergencies, but they can still be hazardous. Drivers traveling at interstate speeds may have little time to react to stopped vehicles, especially in darkness or low-visibility conditions. Even when emergency lights are activated, distracted driving, fatigue, or impaired visibility can increase the risk of a secondary collision.
Safety experts recommend moving as far away from active traffic as possible when stopping on a highway. Motorists should also slow down and change lanes when approaching stopped vehicles if it is safe to do so. These precautions help reduce the likelihood of additional crashes and improve safety for everyone along the roadside.
