Victim identified in three-vehicle crash in Palatine

A 32-year-old Mount Prospect man died this morning in a three-vehicle crash in Palatine, authorities said.

Witnesses told police that the victim, Steve Banks, was driving a 2004 Chevy Impala west on Euclid Avenue at 5:56 a.m. when he disobeyed a red light at Quentin Road and entered the intersection.

Palatine police said Banks' vehicle was struck by a 2001 Chevy van traveling south on Quentin, which had a green light. The impact sent the Impala into the eastbound lanes of Euclid, striking a 2004 Saab.

Banks, who didn't appear to be wearing a seat belt, was trapped and required extrication, police said. He was transported to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and pronounced dead at 6:45 a.m.

A 69-year-old man from Lake Villa was driving the Chevy and a 59-year-old woman from Hoffman Estates was driving the Saab. Both were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The Palatine Fire Department said the three vehicles had significant damage.

Euclid was closed for nearly four hours between Quentin and Roselle roads while investigators worked. Palatine Police Cmdr. Kurt Schroeder said no one will be cited.

The Rolling Meadows Fire Department assisted.