Kirkland, IL (September 8, 2026) – A passenger was hurt Sunday night after two separate vehicles crashed near Irene Road and McNeal Road in Kirkland.
The first crash happened shortly after 8 p.m. on September 6, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said James Kasallis, 51, of Kirkland, was driving a Ford pickup when it briefly entered a ditch while traveling on Irene Road.
The pickup then lost control while attempting to return to the roadway, striking a bridge pillar and leaving debris across the road. Lisa Lindberg, also of Kirkland, was driving a Jeep behind the pickup toward the same destination.
Investigators said the Jeep struck the debris, went off the roadway, and hit a fence and ditch embankment. A passenger in the Jeep was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Kasallis faces DUI and open alcohol container charges. Lindberg was also charged with DUI. Both drivers were arrested and later released from the DeKalb County Jail.
The circumstances surrounding the two collisions remain under investigation. We wish the injured passenger a full recovery.
How Road Debris Can Cause Secondary Crashes
Debris left in a roadway can create hazards for drivers who encounter it unexpectedly. Drivers may have little time to slow down or change direction, especially at night or on roads with limited visibility.
A vehicle that strikes debris can lose control, leave the roadway, or collide with nearby objects. The risk can be greater when another vehicle is traveling close behind.
Drivers should maintain a safe following distance and remain alert for objects on the roadway. If debris is spotted ahead, reducing speed gradually and avoiding sudden steering can help maintain control. Road users should also report dangerous debris when it is safe to do so.
