Firefighters had to perform a technical rescue after a multiple-vehicle crash sent a car crashing down a steep ravine, leaving two people trapped inside, in Algonquin.
The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and Algonquin Police Department responded around 7 p.m. on June 11 to the area of Route 31 and Elmwood Court for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
Police officers arrived and reported a four-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck.
Fire crews arrived and upgraded the response after finding there was entrapment in one of the vehicles.
Fire officials said the technical rescue incident involved a vehicle crash where one of the cars left the roadway and came to rest against trees in a ravine.
Firefighters utilized specialized rope rescue systems due to the challenging terrain to safely access the vehicle and remove the two trapped occupants from the vehicle.
They were successfully extricated and transferred to paramedics for evaluation and transport, fire officials said. Three ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
“Incidents such as this highlight the extensive training and specialized equipment our members rely on to safely operate in complex rescue environments,” the fire district said.
“We are proud of the professionalism and teamwork displayed by our crews during this challenging operation and thank the members of the Algonquin Police Department, Cary Fire Department, and the incredible folks from Whitey’s Towing who assisted us this evening,” the district said.
The incident occurred during severe weather that impacted McHenry County.
Fire officials said drivers should slow down, use caution on wet roadways and avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms.