The crash occurred after 2 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-57 near 140th Street. The impact of the crash sent one of the vehicles over a concrete barrier wall, plummeting 50 feet onto the railroad tracks below, where it burst into flames.
Police said a person in that car died. The fire was so intense, it re-ignited as troopers continued to examine the scene.
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Southbound lanes of I-57 were closed at 127th Street as police investigated. They were back open by 8:30 a.m.
It is not known what led caused the crash. Police said two people of interest in the other car are being questioned.