Traffic
Illinois I-55 Major Crash Sunday Night: Avoid Mile Marker 235 Nov 15
WILMINGTON, IL – A major multi vehicle crash involving a reported wrong way driver is affecting both directions of Interstate 55 near mile marker 235 Sunday evening, November 15, with emergency crews
By Owen Prescott · 2026-11-15T23:19:55.586Z
WILMINGTON, IL – A major multi vehicle crash involving a reported wrong way driver is affecting both directions of Interstate 55 near mile marker 235 Sunday evening, November 15, with emergency crews responding to reports of trapped occupants and vehicles scattered across the highway.
According to an initial emergency incident report involving the Wilmington and Braidwood fire protection districts, the crash was reported around 4:57 p.m. after a driver allegedly traveled northbound in the southbound lanes of I 55.
The incident reportedly resulted in a multi vehicle pileup, with cars and debris scattered across both northbound and southbound lanes.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO AVOID I 55 NEAR MILE MARKER 235.
The crash is affecting travel in both directions, although the extent of lane closures and traffic backups has not yet been officially confirmed.
Emergency responders are dealing with reports of vehicle entrapment, raising concerns about potentially serious injuries.
A LifeStar medical helicopter has reportedly been placed on standby, while additional emergency resources from the Coal City area were requested to assist with the response.
The number of vehicles involved and the conditions of those inside have not yet been confirmed.
Drivers traveling through the Wilmington and Braidwood area should expect potentially significant delays along I 55 as emergency personnel work to reach those involved and clear debris from the roadway.
Motorists approaching mile marker 235 from either direction should use caution, watch for emergency vehicles and seek alternate routes when possible.
Authorities have not released confirmed details regarding injuries or fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the reported wrong way driver also remain unclear.
This remains an active, developing incident. Drivers should avoid the affected stretch of I 55 Sunday evening until emergency crews can safely reopen impacted lanes.
Further updates are expected as additional information becomes available.