truck collision 3-8-12 Route 41 with trapped driver Knollwood Fire Department

Knollwood firefighters have a safety line off as others work to free the driver trapped in his truck. Tim Olk photo

An over the road tractor-trailer rear-ended another tractor-trailer yesterday morning in the northbound lanes of Route 41 just north of Route 176. The crash occurred almost directly in front of the Knollwood Fire Station after the second driver apparently failed to see the first truck slowing down. The driver of the first tuck was unhurt and the other driver was trapped in his truck for almost an hour as firefighters from Knollwood, Lake Bluff, North Chicago, and Great Lakes worked to extricate him.

Tim Olk was at the scene and submitted several images.

truck collision 3-8-12 Route 41 with trapped driver Lake Bluff Fire Department

A firefighter uses a saw to cut open the back wall of the truck's cab. Tim Olk photo

truck collision 3-8-12 Route 41 with trapped driver North Chicago Fire Department

Firefighters work from the front and side of the truck to gain access to the trapped driver. Tim Olk photo

He was later transported to Condell Hospital by Lake Forest paramedics.

truck collision 3-8-12 Route 41 with trapped driver Great Lakes Naval Training Center Fire Department

After the other truck was moved out of the way, firefighters from several departments had additional room to work on extricating the trapped driver. Tim Olk photo

truck collision 3-8-12 Route 41 with trapped driver

A chain is attached to the engine block providing an anchor for pulling the dashboard away from the driver. Tim Olk photo

truck collision 3-8-12 Route 41 with trapped driver Lake Bluff Fire truck

Lake Bluff Squad 520 "the Guardian"supplied many of the tools used to extricate the driver. Tim Olk photo

A large gallery with more images can be found HERE.

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