Crime & Safety
Will County, IL Crash: Bystanders Help Before Medical Helicopter Arrives
Manhattan, IL – A serious single vehicle crash in Will County left one person critically injured Wednesday, Oct. 28, after a vehicle struck a tree and caught fire along Offer Road, prompting an emerge
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-28T19:45:24.239Z
Manhattan, IL – A serious single vehicle crash in Will County left one person critically injured Wednesday, Oct. 28, after a vehicle struck a tree and caught fire along Offer Road, prompting an emergency response and medical helicopter transport.
According to the Manhattan Fire Protection District , emergency crews responded to the 12900 block of Offer Road after receiving reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a tree and caught fire.
The collision occurred in the Manhattan area of Will County, southwest of Chicago.
Bystanders Rush to Help Before Fire Crews Arrive
Fire officials reported that two bystanders assisted the injured occupant before emergency responders reached the scene.
The district credited the individuals for their quick actions during what officials described as a dangerous situation.
Authorities did not specify the nature of the assistance provided or whether the occupant had been trapped inside the vehicle.
The patient's identity and the circumstances leading up to the collision have not been publicly released.
Medical Helicopter Transports Critically Injured Patient
Due to the severity of the injuries, a LifeStar medical helicopter transported the patient to Loyola University Medical Center in critical condition.
The fire district also acknowledged mutual aid partners who assisted with the emergency response.
Officials have not provided an updated condition for the patient or announced what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Fire Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Alert
The Manhattan Fire Protection District noted that crews have responded to several serious crashes in recent days.
In its Wednesday announcement, the district reminded motorists to remain attentive, avoid distractions and exercise caution while traveling.
The department also expressed appreciation for the two bystanders who intervened before firefighters arrived.
"Behind every emergency response is a person, a family, and a community affected," the district stated.
Additional information about the incident is available through the Manhattan Fire Protection District's official website at manhattanfire.org .