A driver has been cited for illegally overtaking another vehicle and crashing into it, leaving himself seriously injured on Route 47 near Woodstock, the sheriff’s office said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6:43 a.m. Tuesday to Route 47 and Lucas Road in Woodstock.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said it was reported that a two-vehicle crash occurred and a person was trapped.
Firefighters arrived within nine minutes and located a heavily damaged black Cadillac STS in the ditch just south of the intersection.
A male driver was found on the ground near the vehicle suffering from multiple injuries, Vucha said.
Firefighters were advised the driver had exited his vehicle on his own prior to their arrival. No one was trapped in the vehicle.
The second vehicle involved was not at the scene when first responders arrived.
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Communication Specialist Emily Matusek said an investigation showed the Cadillac STS and a Toyota Highlander were traveling northbound on Route 47 south of Lucas Road.
The Cadillac attempted to pass the Toyota but struck the front end of the Toyota when it tried re-entering the northbound lane of traffic, Matusek said.
The Cadillac lost control and ended up crashing into the ditch on the east side of the roadway.
The driver of the Toyota continued driving and went to the Woodstock Police Department to report the incident, Matusek said.
Vucha said the male driver and sole occupant of the Cadillac was transported by ambulance to the helipad at Northwestern Medicine Hospital in Woodstock.
A LifeNet medical helicopter flew the man to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Route 47 was shut down in both directions due to the incident. Police reopened the roadway shortly before 8 a.m., Vucha said.
The driver of the Cadillac was issued a citation for improper overtaking, Matusek said.