2 Dead After Wrong-Way Crash On I-55
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Two people died after a wrong-way vehicle struck a taxi on I-55 early Saturday morning.
According to Illinois State Police, the wrong-way vehicle, a red Nissan, was traveling north in the southbound lanes on I-55 at Kedzie and struck a taxi.
The driver of the Nissan was identified as Adeilado Torres. The taxi driver was identified as Imtiaz Baig.
Illinois State Police say 57-year-old Imtiaz Baig was killed after his taxi cab collided with a wrong-way driver on the Stevenson Expressway early Saturday morning.
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Troopers are still investigating the cause of the crash and if alcohol or drugs played a factor. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/zvw34id5Fe
Police confirmed both drivers died following the crash.
The taxi also had two passengers at the time of the collision, Jennifer Benson and Theodore Benson-Buffered, 19. Both passengers were transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
One of the passengers had to undergo surgery shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Traffic was diverted at Kedzie and all lanes have reopened.
It is unknown if drugs or alcohol are suspected of playing a role in this incident.
"Investigators have worked straight through the night and morning and are conducting interviews and handling other facets of the investigation," Sheriff James Mendrick said in a written statement. "We are working hand and hand with the DuPage County Coroner's Office and the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.
In 2018, Cook County saw 30 wrong-way crashes adn there were 95 statewide.