Just after 9PM on Sunday evening, the Northfield Fire Department was initially dispatched for a small brush fire along the Edens Expressway (I94) near Willow Road. Other calls came in reporting a truck fire and additional units went en-route. As companies neared the expressway, they saw a huge fire along the center median of the northbound lanes about a 1/2 north of Willow Road. They encountered a fully-involved tractor-trailer combination on top of a car.
An EMS Box Alarm was requested immediately bringing ambulances from Winnetka, Wilmette, Northbrook, and Glencoe in addition to the Northfield ambulance that was on the scene performing triage. A Morton Grove squad, Wilmette tower ladder and engine, and Glenview truck responded supplementing the Northfield squad and engine. The intensity of the fire prompted a call for Crash Truck 23 and Crash Truck 39, two ARFF units from Wheeling and Prospect Heights.
The occupants of the car were already out when companies arrived thanks to the assistance of other motorists. Three people including the two occupants of the car that was underneath the trailer were transported to the hospital.
This video was posted as seen from along the frontage road.
Prospect Heights Crash Truck 39 reported that they had exhausted their entire volume of on-board extinguishing agent when they left the scene.
Images from Larry Shapiro
Wheeling Crash Truck 23 was special called to the crash site. Larry Shapiro photo
A passenger car is wedged between the center divider wall and the rear of the truck’s trailer. Larry Shapiro photo
Northfield Squad 29 and Wilmette Tower 26 on the highway after the fire is out. Larry Shapiro photo
One of the IDOT heavy wreckers was at the scene. Larry Shapiro photo
The rear section of the trailer after being dragged to the outside shoulder of the highway. Larry Shapiro photo
The rear of the trailer shown resting on top of the car. Larry Shapiro photo
The car is wedged underneath the rear of the truck’s trailer. Larry Shapiro photo
The wreckage of the trailer exposing part of the cargo. Larry Shapiro photo
Charred remains of the truck’s tractor. Larry Shapiro photo
One of several IDOT Minute Man units at the crash site. Larry Shapiro photo
A gallery with more images can be viewed HERE.
