Romeoville, Ill. – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Romeoville early Thursday morning left one driver dead and caused serious injuries to another, authorities confirmed. Investigators are working to determine how the vehicle went through a brick sound barrier and onto oncoming traffic, leaving a gaping hole that remained visible for hours after the incident.
Deadly Crash on I-55
The Illinois State Police reported responding to the three-vehicle crash at approximately 3:46 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-55. According to Romeoville police, a red Ford Fusion, traveling west along Frontage Road, failed to navigate a curve, became airborne, and crashed through the sound barrier onto the highway.
Once on the interstate, the Fusion collided with oncoming vehicles, triggering the multi-car crash. Pieces of the car were scattered near the hole in the brick barrier, a stark reminder of the crash’s severity.
The driver of the Ford Fusion, 20-year-old Jonathan Wenzel, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released details on whether alcohol or other substances were involved in the crash.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
Two northbound vehicles were unable to stop in time and collided with Wenzel’s car. One driver sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the University of Chicago Medical Center after initial transport to a local hospital. CBS News Chicago spoke with a family member who said the driver was in the ICU Thursday afternoon and family members were hopeful for recovery.
The third driver and a passenger were not injured in the crash, according to police.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruption
The northbound lanes of I-55 were closed for the entire morning as emergency crews and Illinois State Police worked the scene. All lanes were reopened just before 12:30 p.m., but the closure caused significant traffic delays.
The crash left a large hole in the brick sound barrier, which remained for hours after the collision, highlighting the force with which the Fusion struck the structure. Authorities have said that barrier repairs will need to be completed before the site returns to normal.
Local Concerns
A neighbor near the scene told CBS News Chicago that she heard a loud boom early Thursday morning and stepped outside to see numerous police lights at the crash site. She added that the curve where the crash occurred has long been a problem area for speeding vehicles, and locals have expressed concerns about driver safety at this section of Frontage Road and the I-55 interchange.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials are actively investigating the cause of the crash, including whether speed, road conditions, or other factors contributed to Wenzel losing control of the vehicle. Authorities have not ruled out additional factors, such as alcohol or distraction, pending further examination of the scene and vehicle evidence.
Conclusion
The fatal Romeoville I-55 crash underscores the dangers of high-speed driving near curves and the potential consequences of losing control on high-speed roadways. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, especially in known trouble spots along Frontage Road and I-55.
The investigation is ongoing, and Illinois State Police continue to gather evidence to determine how the tragic accident unfolded.
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