Joliet, IL (May 26, 2026) – One person died and another was hospitalized Monday morning, May 25, after a wrong-way driver collided with a semi on Interstate 80 in Joliet.
The accident was reported around 11:15 a.m. on westbound Interstate 80 at Briggs Street. Illinois State Police said a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction collided with the semi.
Two people were taken to local hospitals after the wreck. One of them was pronounced dead, while the other person’s medical status was not immediately released.
Westbound Interstate 80 was shut down for several hours after the collision, and traffic was diverted to U.S. Highway 30. The names of those involved were not released in the initial report.
The circumstances behind the wrong-way travel remain under review as investigators continue gathering details. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who died, and we hope the injured person receives steady care.
Why Wrong-Way Semi Accidents Can Be So Severe
Wrong-way accidents involving semis can be extremely dangerous because drivers may have little time to react. On an interstate, vehicles often move at high speeds, and a wrong-way vehicle can create a sudden head-on threat. When a semi is involved, the size and weight difference can make the outcome more serious.
Investigators may review where the wrong-way vehicle entered the highway, road signs, lighting, lane markings, traffic speed, and witness statements. Medical teams may check survivors for head, chest, spine, limb, and internal trauma. Long closures are common after fatal highway emergencies because crews must treat patients, clear vehicles, and document the roadway before lanes reopen.
