Urbana, IL (August 22, 2025) – Two Illinois State Police troopers were hospitalized following a crash early Friday morning at a major Urbana intersection. The collision occurred at approximately 12:43 a.m. at University Ave and Lincoln Ave, involving a state police squad car and another vehicle.
According to officials, the squad car was traveling eastbound on University Ave with a green light when it entered the intersection. At the same time, another car heading south on Lincoln Ave reportedly ran a red light and struck the passenger side of the squad car. Both troopers inside the police vehicle sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision was not injured.
The Urbana Police Department is leading the investigation into the crash. Our thoughts are with the injured officers and their families.
Emergency Responder Safety and Intersection Risks in Illinois
This incident in Urbana highlights the unique dangers faced by law enforcement personnel, especially during routine patrol or emergency response. Intersections, even those with traffic signals, can become high-risk areas when drivers fail to obey traffic laws.
Illinois sees a significant number of intersection-related collisions each year, often due to distracted driving, impaired judgment, or running red lights. For emergency responders, such crashes can be particularly dangerous, as they are frequently traveling with urgency and may be more vulnerable to side-impact collisions.
Drivers must always remain vigilant at intersections and adhere to signal rules, regardless of time of day. Even during late-night hours when roads are less congested, the risk of serious incidents remains. For those involved in such accidents, it is crucial to document the scene, seek medical attention, and follow up with any required legal or insurance processes.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
