MUNDELEIN, Lake County, Ill., Sept. 28, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash left "very heavy" damage and multiple injuries on Sunday evening, September 27, at the intersection of Route 60 and Route 83 near a Starbucks in Mundelein. Mundelein police and fire crews responded to the scene along with three ambulances.
A 911 caller reported that one of the vehicles was smoking after the crash and that a person was down on the ground, according to the report. Mundelein Fire Department personnel requested three ambulances to handle injuries at the scene, though the number and severity of those hurt have not been released.
The crash also struck a large ground transformer, and ComEd crews were called in immediately to address the damage, the report said. It was not immediately clear whether the utility strike caused any power outages in the area.
No information on the vehicles involved, the drivers, or a possible cause has been released. The crash remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Intersection Crashes
Many drivers assume that crashes at big, well-marked intersections, such as a highway split, are rare because the roads are wide and visibility is good. The evidence does not support that. Intersections, especially where highways merge or split, concentrate turning movements, speed differences, and driver confusion in a small area, which raises the odds of a crash rather than lowering them.
Another common belief is that injuries from intersection crashes are mostly minor because impact speeds are often lower than on open highways. That is not reliably true either. Angle and side impacts at intersections can throw occupants against interior surfaces with significant force even at moderate speeds, and vehicles that strike fixed objects, such as utility equipment, can sustain heavy structural damage regardless of posted speed limits.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure is a reminder that crash severity depends on many factors beyond the type of road on which it occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving such a common factor in intersection crashes?
Intersections demand constant attention to signals, other vehicles, and turning traffic. A driver looking at a phone or otherwise not focused on the road for even a few seconds can miss a change in the light or another car's movement, which is often enough to cause a collision.
How do weather and road conditions play into crashes like this one?
Wet pavement, glare, or poor visibility can extend stopping distances and make it harder for drivers to judge gaps in traffic at an intersection. Even in clear conditions, heavy traffic flow at a busy split can increase the chance of a misjudged turn or a rear-end collision.
What should someone do immediately after being in a crash like this?
Move to a safe area if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Do not move a seriously injured person unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire or smoke. Wait for police and fire personnel to assess the scene and provide medical care.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Mundelein, IL
Anyone involved in a crash in Mundelein should first make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries or visible vehicle damage. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, especially to the neck, back, or head, aren't obvious right away.
Once the scene is secured, cooperate with responding officers and get a copy of the police report for your records. If a utility structure or other fixed object is involved, as can happen at busy intersections, expect repair crews to need extra time to secure the area before all lanes reopen. Keep a record of medical visits and any documentation related to the crash in the weeks that follow.
