Park Ridge crash may have been caused by racing
PARK RIDGE, Ill. (WLS) -- Four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash that shut down a busy intersection in northwest suburban Park Ridge for several hours, officials said.
Witnesses said racing drivers may have caused the crash, which occurred at about 11 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Cumberland and Devon.
Police say the red 1996 Chevy SUV driven by a 20-year-old man and a gray 2014 Audi driven by a 24-year-old Park Ridge woman were involved in the crash.
The Chevy, going east on Devon, ran a red light and hit the Audi, which was travelling northbound on Cumberland, officials said. The Chevy hit a tree and a light pole on the parkway, ultimately, coming to rest on Devon, police said.
Some witnesses reported a third vehicle involved that sped away from the scene before authorities arrived. Those witnesses say that vehicle and the red SUV were racing when the SUV collided with the Audi.
"We do have witnesses that seem to indicate that maybe there was another car - that maybe they were doing some street racing," Jogmen said.
The Chevy driver, his 18-year-old female passenger, and a 20-year-old male passenger suffered the most serious injuries. Police say both passengers were ejected from the vehicle.
The woman in the Audi suffered minor injuries and was taken to Resurrection Hospital. Her father said she has multiple fractures.
"Fortunately for the driver of the Audi, she was very lucky," said Louis Jogmen, deputy chief of the Park Ridge Police Department. "It was more of a clipping accident. Could have been a lot worse if it was a side impact."
No drugs or alcohol are believed to have played a role in the crash and police are continuing to investigate. No citations have been issued.
