Manhattan, IL – A major early-morning crash shut down Peotone-Wilmington Road after two semi-trucks collided head-on near Walsh Road and Gougar Road, leaving one driver seriously injured and prompting a large emergency response across Will County.
According to the Manhattan Fire Protection District, crews were dispatched at approximately 12:19 a.m. Wednesday after reports of a trapped driver. While responders were en route, dispatch upgraded the call due to the severity of the situation. Firefighters arrived to find both semi-trucks with heavy front-end damage and one driver pinned inside the cab.
Crews stabilized both trucks and their cargo to prevent shifting during the extrication. Firefighters freed the trapped driver in about 20 minutes, and the driver was transported to Silver Cross Hospital in serious condition, officials said.
Peotone-Wilmington Road will remain closed for an extended period today as authorities complete cleanup and conduct a full crash investigation. The closure is expected to cause delays for commuters traveling through the Manhattan, Frankfort, and surrounding Will County areas.
Mutual aid support was provided by multiple agencies, including the Elwood Fire Protection District, New Lenox Fire Protection District, Beecher Fire Protection District, Monee Fire Protection District, and the University Park Fire Department.
Drivers in the area are advised to use alternative routes this morning and expect longer travel times until the roadway fully reopens.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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