Crash on Route 53 snarls traffic -- but ducks OK

A group of ducks on a Friday afternoon stroll across Route 53 caused a three-car accident, police officials said.

Master Sgt. Rene Benavidez of the Illinois State Police said the ducks walked onto the highway, causing a car to stop quickly on the highway just inches from hitting the ducks.

The sudden stop by the first vehicle at about 4:20 p.m. caused the first automobile to rear-ended by two other vehicles.

Palatine Fire officials said one person had to be extracted from a van due to the impact.

They said three people were transported from the scene with minor, nonlife threatening injuries to Northwest Community Hospital.

The names of the injured motorists have been withheld by police.

Benavidez said the whole highway was shut down for about 15 minutes and traffic was diverted onto Northwest Highway.

The closures was reduced to one lane for about 30 minutes, and the highway was cleared at just after 5 p.m.