Trucker found at fault in fatal crash

A semi driver who ignored a red light is to blame for a crash in Huntley that killed a pair of siblings driving home, a Kane County Coroner's jury ruled Wednesday.

Sergio Espinosa, 52, and Rosalina Rodriguez, 58, both of Elgin, died from injuries in the Jan. 24 wreck on Route 47 at Oak Creek Parkway.

The deaths were the result of a reckless homicide, jurors ruled, and said a trucker, 45-year-old Gustavo P. Gomez caused the crash.

Espinosa was driving west on Oak Creek Parkway when he was hit by a box truck in the intersection and his 2004 Hyundai was pushed 300 feet into the median, said Huntley police Detective Kevin Keane.

The semi was headed north on Route 47 and Gomez sped to about 60 mph to try to beat the changing traffic signal, Keane testified.

Espinosa died at the scene. Rodriguez, who was in the passenger's seat, was taken to Provena St. Joseph Hospital n Elgin, where she died.

Both were returning home from work at the time of the crash. They suffered massive head and chest injuries, said Loren Carrera, Kane County's chief deputy coroner.

Alcohol was not a factor, and Illinois State Police did not find mechanical faults linked in the crash after an inspection of the semi, Keane said.

Gomez of Darien was later charged with two counts of reckless homicide and is free on bond.

The families of both victims have hired attorneys but lawsuits have not yet been filed.