WADSWORTH, Lake County, Ill., Oct. 23, 2026 — A four-vehicle crash left multiple people injured on Thursday afternoon, October 22, on Route 173 near Delany Road in Wadsworth. The wreck was reported south of the intersection, according to the Newport Fire District.
The fire district responded to find four vehicles involved, with injuries reported among the occupants. Crews on scene requested three ambulances to help transport the injured, an indication of how many people needed medical evaluation. Damage to the vehicles was described as moderate.
The number and severity of injuries have not been released. It's unclear how many people were taken to hospitals or their current conditions.
No information on what led to the crash has been made public. The cause remains under investigation, and it has not been confirmed whether any citations are expected.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Wadsworth, IL
This multi-vehicle crash happened at Route 173 and Delany Road in Wadsworth, IL. We cover crashes across Lake County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Lake County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does following distance matter so much in traffic?
Keeping a safe gap behind the vehicle ahead gives a driver more time to brake or steer away if traffic suddenly slows, which is usually what triggers chain-reaction crashes involving several vehicles.
Do secondary crashes usually happen after an initial wreck?
Yes. Once one crash blocks lanes or slows traffic, following vehicles can strike each other or the original wreckage before everyone has a chance to stop, which is why responders usually shut down more of the roadway than the initial crash site.
Why are multi-vehicle crashes harder to investigate than two-car wrecks?
With several vehicles involved, investigators have to sort out the order of impacts, how each vehicle moved afterward, and whether one collision caused another, which generally takes longer than piecing together a single collision.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Wadsworth, IL
If you're involved in a multi-vehicle crash, move to a safe spot if your vehicle is drivable and check on others nearby before anything else. Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms, especially from whiplash or internal injuries, can take hours to appear. Stay put until emergency crews arrive and clear you to leave, and try to get the names and contact information of any other drivers or witnesses at the scene. Once home, follow up with a doctor for a full checkup, even if you feel fine, and keep any paperwork from the crash and your medical visits together in case you need it later.
