Deer Park, IL – A 95-year-old man was killed Tuesday afternoon after his vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy northwest suburban roadway and was struck by another driver while he was underneath the car, authorities said. The fatal crash unfolded during afternoon traffic and left multiple people injured, though none critically, according to investigators.
Incident Overview
The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday on Lake Cook Road just east of Quentin Road in Deer Park, an area known for heavy commuter traffic. Authorities said the elderly man had been driving westbound when his vehicle suddenly broke down and became disabled in the center lane of the roadway.
With traffic continuing to move around him, witnesses told investigators that the man exited his vehicle and began inspecting the engine area from underneath the car in an apparent attempt to identify the problem.
Timeline of Events
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, moments after the vehicle stalled, a second westbound vehicle approached from behind. That vehicle was driven by a 30-year-old man from Cary, who authorities said was unable to avoid the disabled car in time.
While the elderly driver was still underneath his vehicle, the Cary man’s vehicle struck the stalled car from behind, triggering a violent chain of events that left the 95-year-old with catastrophic injuries.
Emergency calls quickly followed the collision, and first responders were dispatched to the scene within minutes.
Details From Authorities
Officials said the impact caused major injuries to the 95-year-old man, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency response efforts.
“The vehicle was disabled in the center lane, and the driver exited the vehicle prior to the collision,” authorities stated as part of the preliminary investigation.
The 30-year-old driver from Cary and a 30-year-old woman from Arlington Heights, who was a passenger in his vehicle, were both transported to a local hospital. Authorities said both were initially listed with non-life-threatening injuries.
A third injured person was a 77-year-old woman from Barrington, who had been a passenger in the stalled vehicle. She was also taken to a hospital and was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Witness Accounts and Scene Response
Witnesses at the scene described a sudden and chaotic collision that brought traffic to a standstill in multiple directions. Around 3:30 p.m., aerial footage showed a heavy emergency response, with police vehicles, fire trucks, and an ambulance blocking the intersection of Lake Cook Road and Quentin Road.
Two heavily damaged vehicles were visible at the scene, along with multiple emergency responders working to secure the area and assist the injured.
Authorities also confirmed that a school bus, occupied only by its driver, was sideswiped during the crash. The bus driver was not injured, and no students were on board at the time.
Investigation Ongoing
The crash remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team, which specializes in reconstructing serious and fatal collisions. Investigators are expected to analyze vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and witness statements to determine exactly how the crash unfolded.
Officials have not announced any citations or charges, and no additional information was immediately available as of Tuesday evening.
Authorities frequently warn drivers about the dangers of exiting a vehicle on busy roadways, particularly in active traffic lanes. Disabled vehicles in the middle of the road create a high-risk situation, especially during peak travel hours when visibility and reaction time can be limited.
Conclusion
The fatal crash serves as a stark reminder of how quickly roadside emergencies can turn deadly, particularly on heavily traveled suburban roads. As investigators continue their work, authorities are urging motorists to prioritize safety when dealing with disabled vehicles and to remain vigilant behind the wheel.
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