CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Wintry weather led to a number of vehicle crashes Wednesday morning in the Chicagoland area, with the worst on the Kennedy Expressway.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, at about 5:45 a.m. authorities received reports of multiple crashes on I-90 near North Avenue. Nearly 60 vehicles were involved in crashes, caused by "low traction on the expressway."
EMS plan 2 for Kennedy expressway aprox 50 vehicles in crash scene. About north avenue. Low traction on expressway causing multiple collisions. No media staging yet. CFD media trying to get to scene. Several transports
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia)
April 15, 2020 A total of 46 people were evaluated for injuries. Fourteen people have been taken to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, Chicago fire officials said.
CFD final count. 14 transported of which 13 were "green" or minor. 1 was " yellow"good condition. And 45 others were evaluated and refused transport. CFD mobile medical unit 8812 was on scene with EMS plan 2 and 12 ambulances.
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia)
April 15, 2020 Chicago Fire Department Deputy Chief John Giordano said they are dealing with snow, ice, and the pandemic.
"It's a lot of challenges at once. It really is, so we are asking everyone first and foremost at this time to social distance, obviously, that it our main concern, but we have others jobs to do as well," he said, "as far as fire, accidents, and other things that we respond to every day. So besides from the pandemic that is going on, we are still dealing with every day incidents and this is one of them.
"In this case, we really need to slow down. Obviously the conditions are icy up on the expressways. We need to slow down and take our time."
EMS plan 2 on Kennedy now secure. We have 14 transports and 32 other patients who have been evaluated and will NOT be transported. Low traction conditions still in place. pic.twitter.com/PlfqG9rb4i
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia)
April 15, 2020 Latest update on Kennedy crashes. 14 patients transported to St.Mary, St Joseph and Northwestern Memorial. None of the injuries are listed as life threatening. 32 other patients were treated and opted not to be transported. CFD estimates nearly 60 vehicles involved pic.twitter.com/c4hWmGeg3C
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia)
April 15, 2020 According to CBS Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation officials said areas on the expressway could be closed for over 2 hours.
UPDATE: Illinois Dept of Transportation spokesperson just said this section of the Kennedy will be shut down for *at least* the next two hours. @cbschicago https://t.co/6GtGwnrneE
— Audrina Bigos (@AudrinaBigos)
April 15, 2020 Inbound and outbound lanes of the expressway were opened by 8:15 a.m., city officials said, while Illinois State Police reported dozens of additional crashes on Chicago-area expressways that are “covered in sheets of ice.”
“Numerous accidents still be reported due to low traction around the city,” the fire department said on Twitter. “Do not use Kennedy at this time. Be aware of low traction on all expressways and some surface streets.”
Numerous accidents still be reported due to low traction around the city. Do not use Kennedy at this time. Be aware of low traction on all expressways and some surface streets.
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia)
April 15, 2020 Kennedy near North Ave pic.twitter.com/6xH18nWSl2
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia)
April 15, 2020 Light snow began falling in Chicago after midnight, with a total nighttime accumulation of less than a half inch, according to the National Weather Service.
Along with snow, temperatures dropped into the 20s and 30s overnight, contributing to slick roads and icy conditions, the weather service said.
UPDATE to overnight-Wed AM snow forecast, with the 1"+ line shifted a bit north from the previous forecast. Be aware of the potential for slippery travel if you will be driving in the morning. Temps will dip to the 20s to around 30°, so accum likely on some roads. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/meo10KI8UG
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
April 15, 2020 This is a developing story. Check back for updates.