Seven people were transported to the hospital with injuries after three cars crashed on Route 41 in Gurnee Tuesday evening, resulting in an SUV rolling over and trapping two people inside.
The Gurnee Police Department and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to northbound Route 41 and Ferndale Street in Gurnee for reports of a multiple vehicle crash.
Multiple 911 callers reported the crash, with one report of CPR possibly being performed on a subject, according to fire department radio traffic.
Police officers and firefighter/paramedics arrived to find three vehicles – a Honda HR-V SUV, a Pontiac Grand Am sedan and a Chevrolet HHR – involved in the crash.
There were a total of eight patients that paramedics evaluated in the crash.
The Honda was occupied by four people and ended up on its roof, Gurnee Battalion Fire Chief Jim Gramer said.
Two of the occupants were able to get out, but the other two were trapped.
Firefighters removed the Honda’s doors to safely extricate the two occupants, which took around 10 minutes.
Seven people were transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, while the eighth refused to be transported.
None of the involved drivers or passengers suffered life-threatening injuries.
A total of three ambulances from the Gurnee Fire Department, along with an ambulance each from the Newport Township, Beach Park, Waukegan and North Chicago fire departments, responded to the scene.
Two fire engines from Gurnee also responded to assist with patient care and extrication.
The Beach Park Fire Department ambulance was diverted from the scene to Gurnee Fire Station #1 to provide coverage for other calls in the village.
The Lake Villa Fire Protection District and Libertyville Fire Department also provided coverage.
The preliminary investigation shows the Honda was traveling northbound on Ferndale Street and entered the intersection to turn left to go north on Route 41, Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said.
The Pontiac, which was traveling northbound on Route 41, crashed into the Honda.
The collision then caused a secondary crash with the Chevrolet, Gaylor said.
The northbound lanes of Route 41 were shut down for around 45 minutes while emergency crews tended to the scene.
Tow trucks from McClure’s Garage & Towing responded to remove the vehicles.
Police officers helped clean up the debris.
The crash remains under investigation by the Gurnee Police Department.
“No citations have been issued at this time; however, appropriate enforcement action will be taken pending the outcome of the investigation,” Gaylor said.
“The Gurnee Police Department reminds motorists to use caution when entering or crossing major roadways. Drivers should ensure it is safe to proceed and remain attentive at all times. Taking an extra moment to confirm a clear path can significantly reduce the risk of serious crashes,” Gaylor added.