Three people were injured and taken to the hospital after a semitruck collided with an ambulance, causing it to overturn and hit two other cars in West Englewood on Saturday.
The accident happened around 11:20 a.m. at the intersection of Ashland Avenue and 63rd Street, according to Chicago police. The 54-year-old truck driver was heading north on Ashland Avenue when he crashed into the rear passenger side of the ambulance, which was traveling east on 63rd Street.
The impact caused the ambulance to flip over and collide with two nearby sedans. Inside the ambulance was a 64-year-old male passenger who sustained minor injuries. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and was reported to be in good condition. The ambulance driver, whose age was not provided, was unharmed in the incident.
Passengers in the two sedans also suffered minor injuries. A 59-year-old passenger from one sedan and a 58-year-old woman who was driving the other sedan were both taken to local hospitals. The 59-year-old was treated at Holy Cross Hospital, while the 58-year-old was taken to St. Bernard Hospital. Both were reported to be in good condition. The second sedan’s driver declined medical treatment.
Fortunately, the truck driver was not injured in the crash. However, he was issued a citation for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle. It remains unclear whether the ambulance had its lights and sirens activated at the time of the collision, according to police.
This incident highlights the importance of drivers being cautious around emergency vehicles. Yielding to emergency vehicles is not only a legal requirement but also essential to ensuring the safety of those involved in emergencies. Investigations into the crash are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
The area where the crash occurred, a busy intersection in West Englewood, was temporarily closed as authorities worked to clear the vehicles and assist those affected. This incident caused some delays in the area, but the scene was eventually cleared, and normal traffic resumed later in the day.
The accident serves as a reminder for all drivers to stay vigilant on the roads, especially in areas with heavy traffic or where emergency vehicles are present. Ensuring that emergency responders can move safely through traffic is critical in saving lives and avoiding accidents like this one.
Although this crash resulted in only minor injuries, it could have been much worse. Thankfully, all those involved are expected to recover. The investigation will provide more clarity about the events leading up to the collision and whether further safety measures need to be implemented at the intersection to prevent future accidents.
