June 05--Chicago police are searching for a man who ran a red light in Avondale, triggering a fatal four-car pileup, according to a department spokeswoman.
Around 7 a.m., the driver of a white Jaguar disregarded a red light at the intersection of West Belmont and North Kedzie avenues, prompting a violent chain-reaction crash, according to Officer Bari Lemmon. The Jaguar, which was traveling west, broadsided a black Chevrolet Malibu, which collided with two other cars, Lemmon said.
A 62-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man, who had both been in the Malibu, were taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital.
The woman, who Chicago Fire Department officials say had to be extricated from the car, was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the 64-year-old man was listed in serious condition.
Fire officials initially said the woman was 50 years old.
Three other people involved in the crash refused medical treatment at the scene, Fire Department spokesman Chief Juan Hernandez said.
The driver of the Jaguar who police believe caused the crash fled the scene on foot. A description of the driver wasn't immediately available, Lemmon said. The license plate on the Jaguar read DO R DI."
About an hour prior to the crash, a man was shot in the 4000 block of Belmont Avenue, less than a mile west. Police say the crash is not believed to be connected with the shooting and the driver of the Jaguar was not being pursued by police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.
Check back for updates.
tbriscoe@tribpub.com
