PEOTONE, IL – A three car accident on Route 45/52 early Sunday morning resulted in the death of two people.
According to Manhattan Fire Protection District officials, at 8:20 am firefighters responded to a call reporting the accident. Upon arrival, firefighters found three vehicles with heavy damage, one of which was fully engulfed in flames.
A full still alarm was called for additional resources. Fire crews worked to extinguish the flames and extricate the injured from the vehicles. Two patients were transported to local hospitals, but two others succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the crash.
The Will County Sheriffs and Illinois State Police also responded to the scene to assist in closing the intersection for accident reconstruction. The closure is expected to last for several hours.
Multiple agencies were deployed to provide coverage for any additional calls for service, including Monee, Beecher, University Park, New Lenox, East Joliet, Manteno, and Frankfort. Both Will County EMA and Manhattan EMA have been assisting in traffic control efforts.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.
