Magdaleno Launizar, 51, of Chicago, has been charged with improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed, no valid driver's license, no insurance and suspended registration for not having insurance.
Eight people with a Chicago temp agency were riding in a 2003 silver Ford Explorer to a job in the western suburbs. Four were killed, four people were injured in the one-car accident. Three men and five women were in the car. Police say all of the deceased are women and were pronounced dead on the scene. Launizar was driving and survived. Police say they have had no witnesses come forward.
Police say Launizar was in good condition, the three men injured were critical and taken to Alexian Brothers, Good Samaritan and Glen Oaks hospitals.
The crash occurred in the westbound lanes at 6:08 a.m. State police say Launizar lost control and the car rolled off the highway.
The DuPage County Coroner's office confirmed there were multiple fatalities in the crash. The ages of the deceased were not immediately known.
All lanes were reopened at 10:45 a.m.. Police say lack of seatbelt use contributed to the fatalities. All of those ejected from the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts. Launizar and the front passenger were wearing seatbelts, but the front seat passenger was among the dead.
The car was speeding in excess of the limit of 55 mph, police say, and the road was dry and conditions were clear at the time of the accident.
"The vehicle rolled over in the ditch, apparently several times. Three of the passengers were ejected," State Trooper Brian Windel said.
Police say they were still trying to confirm the identities.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Illinois State Police Elgin office at 847.931.2405, ext. 205.
