A driver was hospitalized with moderate injuries after a chunk of snow and ice fell from a semi-truck through the windshield of a work van near Marengo Friday afternoon.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and the Union Fire Protection District responded around 12:51 p.m. Friday to the 9200 block of South Grant Highway in unincorporated Marengo for a report of a vehicle crash.
Fire crews arrived a short time later and located an ASAP Plumbing work van that had sustained heavy damage to its windshield, according to Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts Public Information Officer Alex Vucha.
An initial investigation showed that a chunk of snow or ice had fallen from a semi-truck that was traveling ahead of the van.
The chunk of snow and ice struck the windshield of the plumbing van and injured the driver.
Vucha said the driver, an adult male, was evaluated at the scene by paramedics and transported to a nearby hospital with moderate but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the semi-truck continued driving and was not at the scene.
Vucha said the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of removing snow and ice from vehicles before driving.
High-profile vehicles, including trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles, can accumulate large amounts of snow and ice that may dislodge while in motion, creating serious roadway hazards, Vucha said.
“Taking a few extra minutes to clear your vehicle helps protect you and everyone else on the road,” he said.
The incident is under investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.