Two people were killed and 11 injured when a speeding stolen vehicle crossed into oncoming lanes Wednesday afternoon in Burnside on the South Side, causing a multi-vehicle crash.
About 5 p.m., firefighters responded to a call of multiple people injured in a crash near 87th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
A stolen Dodge Charger was traveling north in the southbound lanes of Cottage Grove Avenue “at a very high rate of speed” when it caused a crash involving seven other vehicles near the intersection of 87th Street, Chicago police Supt. David Brown said at a news conference at the scene.
The driver of the Dodge and a passenger were pronounced dead after the car, reported stolen from south suburban Markham, caught fire, fire officials said. A gun was found inside the car, according to police.
Eleven others, including five children, were transported to several nearby hospitals. Six people were listed in fair condition and five others in good condition.
The following people were transported to area hospitals:
- A 53-year-old female driver was in fair condition with unknown injuries at Christ Hospital.
- A 54-year-old man who was standing on the sidewalk was taken to Trinity Hospital with a dislocated kneecap in fair condition.
- A 56-year-old female driver was in fair condition with a back injury at St. Bernard Hospital. She left the hospital “of her own volition” Thursday, according to a spokesman at St. Bernard.
- A 6-year-old boy passenger was in good condition at St. Bernard Hospital with no reported injuries. He was later transported to University of Chicago Medical Center for further treatment, according to a spokesman at St. Bernard.
- A 33-year-old male driver was in good condition with a minor injury to the hand.
- A 10-month-old girl passenger was in good condition at Comer Children’s Hospital with no injuries reported.
- A 15-year-old girl was in good condition at Comer Children’s Hospital with body pain.
- A 4-year-old girl passenger was uninjured in good condition at Comer Children’s Hospital.
- A 10-year-old boy passenger was in fair condition at University of Chicago Medical Center with a fractured wrist.
- A 37-year-old woman driver was in fair condition with unknown injuries at University of Chicago Medical Center.
- An 18-year-old male passenger was in fair condition with unknown injuries at University of Chicago Medical Center.
An employee of an electronics store near the scene of the crash said they heard what sounded like a loud explosion and then saw a car in flames.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was sickened when she heard the toll and felt she had to visit the scene to warn residents to slow down on the roads.
“When you’re going at that high rate of speed, anyone that you hit, whether it’s a car or pedestrian, you significantly diminish their ability to survive,” Lightfoot told reporters at the scene. “People have to slow down. I am out and about all over the city, and I’m amazed at the level of traffic and the level of speed that people are driving. Just take your foot off the gas and obey the local speed limits.”
Brown echoed the mayor’s plea, asking drivers to take some personal responsibility for their driving. “Slowing down will save lives. Speed kills, and it did tonight. It’s senseless and tragic,” he said.
“We’re praying for all of those that are in area hospitals tonight. We’re praying for the families who are no doubt holding vigil, and we’re praying for the deceased and their families,” Lightfoot said.
EMS Plan 2 at 87th & Cottage for a crash involving 6 vehicles. There are 2 deceased, several transports, and other patients are being evaluated. pic.twitter.com/oTjHxBtk12
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) November 23, 2022
Contributing: Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere, Zack Miller
