One Dead In Fiery Crash On Stevenson Expressway
CHICAGO (CBS) -- One person was killed after two trucks erupted in flames on the Stevenson Expy., near Cicero, shutting down lanes in both directions for hours.
An accident involved three cars and the two trucks in the southbound lanes. Initially, two cars were destroyed in the fire, but it was unclear whether they were involved in the initial crash, police said.
After the fire was put out, officials discovered that a third car was involved and a body was found inside.
Another person was transported to the hospital in stable condition, police said.
As of 11:40 a.m., a fire truck was called from nearby Midway Airport to spray foam on one of the semis. As of 12:40 p.m. the fire had been struck but lanes remained closed.
Illinois State Police hoped to open the northbound lanes by 2:20 p.m. Two of those lanes were opened as of 2 p.m.
The southbound lanes "will be closed for some time," police said in a statement.
"Rush hour commuters should strongly consider an alternate route."
Authorities have declared the scene a Hazmat.
One of the semis was carrying frozen meat.
The second truck was affiliated with Sherwin Williams and was carrying 17,800 pounds of paint.
Police were diverting cars at Pulaski.
