Morton, IL (May 21, 2026) – One person died and three others were hurt in a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 74 in Morton early Thursday morning. The accident happened around 5:40 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 102. All lanes of the interstate have since reopened.
No names, ages, or further details about those involved in the wreck were available at the time of publication.
The cause of the crash is still being reviewed, and more information will be released when it becomes available. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the person who lost their life, and we wish those hurt a full recovery.
What Drivers Should Know About Early Morning Highway Crashes
Early morning hours, particularly between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., are among the most dangerous times to be on the highway. Driver fatigue is a major factor during these hours, as many people are either at the end of a long night or just starting their day without adequate rest. Reduced visibility before sunrise, lighter traffic that can encourage higher speeds, and slower reaction times all add to the risk. On interstates, where vehicles travel at high speed with limited stopping distance, the consequences of a sudden collision can be severe. Two-vehicle crashes during these hours often happen quickly and leave little time for drivers to react, which is why the early morning window sees a disproportionate share of serious highway accidents each year.
