2 airlifted, 4 others injured in Pingree Grove crash

Two people were airlifted from the scene of a major accident on Route 72 near Pingree Grove and four others were taken area hospitals with injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening, according to police.

A 24-year-old Bellwood woman driving a Chrysler Town & Country minivan attempted to pass a semitrailer truck while traveling east on Route 72 near Reinking Road. She struck a westbound Subaru Outback before completing the pass, according to the Kane County sheriff’s office.

All four passengers in the Chrysler and the driver were injured in the crash that occurred about 3:15 p.m., as was the 40-year-old Wonder Lake man driving the Subaru, according to police.

After the initial collision, one of the vehicles also may have struck the side of the semitrailer, which was driven by a 50-year-old Marengo man who was not injured, police said.

Route 72 was shut down between Reinking and Big Timber Roads until 7:30 p.m.

The driver of the Chrysler was flown to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and the 21-year-old Chicago woman in the front seat was airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital with injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening, police said.

A second 21-year-old Chicago woman who was in the back seat of the Chrysler initially was taken to Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin before being flown to Lutheran General.

Two other back-seat passengers, a 28-year-old Chicago man and a 22-year-old Chicago man, were taken to Elgin-area hospitals with non life-threatening injuries, police said.

Police have not been able to speak with the driver of the Chrysler, but they expect to issue citations, Kane County sheriff’s Lt. Patrick Gengler said.