Peoria County, IL (February 13, 2026) – A car and a semi-truck were involved in a crash Thursday night along westbound Interstate 74, sending two people to the hospital and temporarily closing nearby ramps.
According to the Illinois State Police, the collision occurred in the westbound lanes of I-74 just west of Illinois Route 6 at mile marker 87. Authorities said the crash resulted in injuries to two individuals, who were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed.
As crews worked at the scene, a portion of Route 6 leading to westbound I-74 and I-474 westbound to I-74 westbound was shut down for about an hour. Troopers secured the roadway while emergency medical services evaluated those involved and cleared the damaged vehicles.
Illinois State Police reported that the driver of the passenger vehicle was cited for multiple violations, including driving too fast for conditions, making an improper U-turn, disobeying a traffic control device, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Key Details
- Location: I-74 WB near IL 6, mile marker 87, Peoria County
- Reported: February 12, 2026
- Type: Car and semi crash with injuries
- Injuries: Two people were transported to a hospital
- Closures: Portions of IL 6 and I-474 ramps to I-74 WB closed for about one hour
- Citations: Multiple traffic violations issued to the car driver
What We Know So Far
- The crash happened in the westbound lanes of I-74 west of IL 6.
- Two individuals were taken to a hospital for treatment.
- Temporary closures affected access from IL 6 and I-474 to I-74 WB.
- Illinois State Police issued several citations to the car driver.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The current medical condition of the injured individuals.
- Whether additional enforcement actions will follow.
- Further details about how the collision unfolded before impact.
Local Context
The stretch of Interstate 74 west of Illinois Route 6 at mile marker 87 serves as a key connector for drivers traveling through Peoria County, particularly those merging from I-474 westbound. Crashes along this freeway segment can quickly disrupt traffic because motorists are often changing lanes or preparing to transition between major routes. When incidents occur in these westbound lanes, Illinois State Police typically work to secure the crash site and manage ramp closures to prevent secondary collisions. With multiple access points converging in this area, even a short-term shutdown can affect evening traffic patterns across the surrounding highway network.
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.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- If your vehicle is disabled, arrange safe towing and avoid standing near active traffic lanes.
FAQ
Q: How long does it usually take for an accident report to become available?
A: In many cases, a preliminary report may be available within a few days, though more detailed findings can take longer depending on the complexity of the investigation.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Higher speeds, heavy traffic volumes, and limited room for error increase the risk of serious injuries and secondary collisions on freeways.
Q: Who decides whether citations are issued after a crash?
A: Law enforcement officers evaluate evidence at the scene, review statements, and determine whether traffic laws were violated before issuing citations.
