Three people suffered serious injuries, including one person who was rescued from their car that became engulfed in flames after a vehicle crash on Route 31 near Algonquin Monday morning.
The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District responded around 6:50 a.m. Monday to the area of Route 31 and South Lundstrom Lane in unincorporated Algonquin for a vehicle crash with injuries and entrapment.
Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District Chief John Knebl said crews responding were advised that one of the cars was on fire and a person was trapped inside.
Firefighters and paramedics arrived to find a small SUV that was involved in a crash with a pickup truck, Knebl said.
The SUV’s engine compartment was on fire and spreading into the passenger area.
Both of the vehicles sustained heavy damage and came to rest off the roadway after the collision.
Knebl said bystanders, along with the passenger in the SUV, worked to rescue the driver of the SUV just as the fire department arrived.
Three occupants involved suffered serious injuries and were transported by ambulances to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
Knebl said the road was completely snow-covered at the time due to high winds and the open field area near the scene.
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash. It is unknown if any citations or charges have been issued.
The fire district said it was a “cold, blustery morning” across the area and crews were “hard at work” responding to multiple calls for service in the community.
“From early-morning responses to ongoing incidents, our firefighters and paramedics are staying busy and focused on keeping our residents safe,” the fire district said.
“As always, we remind everyone to use extra caution in these conditions—secure loose items, use care when driving, and stay weather-aware. We’re proud of our crews for their dedication and professionalism, no matter what the weather brings,” the district added.