One person was killed after they crashed into a tree and their vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, leaving them trapped inside, near Woodstock Monday afternoon.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded around 4:52 p.m. Monday to the 8200 block of Mason Hill Road in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a vehicle fire.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said fire crews arrived and found a single-vehicle crash.
911 callers had reported that the whereabouts of the car’s occupant or occupants were unknown.
The car had driven off of the roadway and struck a tree at the curve on Mason Hill Road, resulting in heavy damage.
The car caught on fire following the impact and became fully engulfed in flames, Vucha said.
A medical helicopter was initially placed on standby but was unavailable and later deemed not needed.
Firefighters deployed a hose line to begin extinguishing the fire. The fuel tank ruptured at that time, intensifying the fire, Vucha said.
Additional water resources were requested and firefighters applied a biodegradable, environmentally friendly foam to help smother the fire and prevent reignition.
Vucha said the driver of the vehicle, who was the sole occupant, was found dead inside the car after crews extinguished the fire.
Deputies shut down Mason Hill Road between Cherry Valley Road and Valley Hill Road for several hours during the crash investigation.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the victim.