A man suffered serious injuries after crashing into a sign on Interstate 90 in Huntley, which led to authorities conducting an extensive search for a possible second victim reported to be ejected.
The Huntley Fire Protection District and Illinois State Police responded around 10:45 a.m. Sunday to Interstate 90 near mile marker 46 for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Huntley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Brian Harders said crews arrived on the scene, west of Route 47, to find a single-vehicle crash.
The passenger car involved sustained heavy damage after striking a two-post highway sign, Harders said.
State police said the silver Volkswagen hatchback also struck the guardrail and rolled over before coming to rest in the ditch.
An adult male, who was the driver, was outside of the car and had suffered serious injuries.
A medical helicopter was requested to land nearby at Route 20 and Interstate 90 to fly the victim to a trauma center.
The closest medical helicopter was 25 minutes away and Harders said paramedics would able to transport him by ground in the same time it would take for the helicopter to arrive at the scene.
The helicopter was canceled and the ambulance transported the victim to Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital – Riverside in Rockford. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, Harders said.
The driver told first responders someone else was in the vehicle with him at the time of the crash.
Harders said a search effort began in the area for the woman who was possibly ejected from the car. A canine and drone were called.
Authorities were eventually able to get into contact with the man’s family who confirmed the person who he mentioned was not in the vehicle with him.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.