Libertyville, IL (February 12, 2026) – Emergency crews responded early Wednesday morning to a three-vehicle crash with injuries along westbound I-94 near mile marker 13, north of IL-137 and south of IL-120. The incident was reported February 12 at 1:21 a.m., prompting a response from Libertyville Fire Department, with Gurnee Fire Department and Illinois State Police assisting.
Key Details
- Location: I-94 westbound near mile marker 13, Libertyville
- Reported: February 12 at 1:21 a.m.
- Type: Three-vehicle crash with injuries
- Agencies: Libertyville FD, Gurnee FD, Illinois State Police
- Injuries: Three transported; one refusal; non-life-threatening reported
- Traffic: Heavy delays on westbound I-94
What We Know So Far
- Initial reports indicated a possible ejection involving a child, but authorities later confirmed the child was properly restrained and not ejected.
- Three individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
- One person declined medical transport at the scene.
- All reported injuries appear to be non-life-threatening.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The cause of the three-vehicle collision
- The specific sequence of events leading up to the crash
- Whether citations will be issued
- How long traffic delays persisted
Local Context
The crash occurred on westbound I-94 near mile marker 13, positioned between IL-137 and IL-120 just north of Libertyville. This stretch of interstate carries steady overnight and early morning traffic, including commuters and commercial vehicles traveling between Lake County communities and the Wisconsin state line. With multiple vehicles involved and emergency crews working along the westbound lanes, traffic quickly backed up in the area. Interstate crashes in this corridor often require coordination between local fire departments and Illinois State Police to manage lane closures and maintain safe access for responding units.
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.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate with first responders. Leaving before police arrive can create complications later.
- If it’s safe, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: Why do multi-vehicle crashes take longer to clear?
A: Crashes involving several vehicles often require more extensive investigation, multiple tow trucks, and coordination among agencies, which can extend roadway closures.
Q: Why do highway crashes often lead to traffic backups?
A: Even a single lane blockage on a busy interstate can significantly slow traffic flow, especially when emergency crews need space to work safely.
Q: Do emergency crews always transport injured people to the hospital?
A: Not always. Some individuals may decline transport after evaluation, while others are taken for further medical assessment depending on their condition.
