An Illinois state trooper sustained injuries while investigating a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway early Monday morning, according to Illinois State Police.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place in the outbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway near the Chicago Skyway around 2:30 a.m. The trooper, along with an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) truck, was responding to a single-vehicle crash that had blocked two lanes. Both vehicles had their emergency lights activated when they were struck by a passing vehicle.

Injuries and Response

The trooper and the IDOT worker were inside their respective vehicles when the collision occurred. Following the crash, they were transported to hospitals for treatment, with authorities reporting their injuries as non-life threatening. Additionally, the driver of the passing vehicle sustained injuries and was also taken to a hospital. The driver of the IDOT vehicle received treatment at the scene.

Traffic Impact and Investigation

As a result of the crash, the outbound local lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway were temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation. However, they were reopened to traffic shortly before 4 a.m.

Promoting Road Safety

This incident underscores the risks faced by law enforcement and emergency responders while performing their duties on busy roadways. It serves as a reminder for motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws, especially when passing emergency vehicles on the road. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, prioritizing road safety remains paramount to prevent such incidents in the future.

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