A high-speed police chase turned into a devastating multi-vehicle pile-up that sent eleven people to area hospitals Wednesday evening. Blue Island cops started pursuing a reckless driver who had blown through a red traffic signal around half past seven. The suspect barreled northbound along South Halsted Street while officers gave chase through the West Pullman neighborhood. Emergency crews rushed to the mangled wreckage near West Vermont Street just outside Chicago city limits. The fleeing motorist slammed directly into a packed Pace transit bus before hitting several other cars.
Paramedics loaded nine victims into ambulances and raced them to nearby medical centers for emergency treatment. Five passengers suffered life-threatening injuries that left them fighting for survival in critical care units. Hospital staff worked frantically to stabilize the most seriously wounded crash survivors throughout the night. Two additional victims received medical attention at the chaotic accident scene before being released. Fire department officials confirmed the total injury count reached at least eleven people caught in the violent collision.
The massive crash left a heavily damaged SUV and two mangled sedans scattered across the busy intersection. Broken glass and twisted metal debris covered the roadway while spilled motor oil created dangerous driving conditions. The public bus appeared to have escaped the worst damage despite taking a direct hit from the speeding vehicle. A massive emergency response team including police, firefighters and paramedics swarmed the accident site. Authorities have not announced any arrests related to the dangerous pursuit that ended in disaster.
Paramedics loaded nine victims into ambulances and raced them to nearby medical centers for emergency treatment. Five passengers suffered life-threatening injuries that left them fighting for survival in critical care units. Hospital staff worked frantically to stabilize the most seriously wounded crash survivors throughout the night. Two additional victims received medical attention at the chaotic accident scene before being released. Fire department officials confirmed the total injury count reached at least eleven people caught in the violent collision.
The massive crash left a heavily damaged SUV and two mangled sedans scattered across the busy intersection. Broken glass and twisted metal debris covered the roadway while spilled motor oil created dangerous driving conditions. The public bus appeared to have escaped the worst damage despite taking a direct hit from the speeding vehicle. A massive emergency response team including police, firefighters and paramedics swarmed the accident site. Authorities have not announced any arrests related to the dangerous pursuit that ended in disaster.
