Salem, IL (January 10, 2026) – A serious three-vehicle crash on East Main Street near Lackey Street left eight people injured Friday evening, with three of the victims flown by Air Evac helicopters to regional hospitals for treatment.
The collision occurred around 5:55 p.m. on January 9, just east of the Union Pacific Railroad underpass. According to initial reports from the Salem Police Department, the crash began when a westbound car crossed over the centerline and sideswiped an eastbound pickup truck. The car then continued into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with an SUV.
The two individuals in the pickup truck were not injured. However, all four occupants of the car sustained injuries. Salem Fire Protection District crews had to remove the car’s roof to safely extricate at least one or two of the victims. The SUV also carried four individuals, all of whom were hurt but did not require extrication.
Salem Fire, EMS, and Air Evac teams coordinated a large-scale emergency response. One helicopter landed at the nearby Church of Christ, while others airlifted patients from Salem Leckrone Airport and the helipad at Salem Township Hospital.
East Main Street remained closed for over two hours while emergency personnel assisted the victims and cleared the wreckage. The Salem Police Department has turned the investigation over to the Illinois State Police, who have not yet released further details.
Our thoughts are with all those injured in this devastating crash. We wish everyone involved a smooth and full recovery.
