Prospect Heights firefighters work to free the driver from this car. Larry Shapiro photo Two ambulances from Wheeling and one from Prospect Heights were on the original response. Larry Shapiro photo A firefighter with a hydraulic spreader opens the damaged door. Larry Shapiro photo Paramedics remove the driver of another car. Larry Shapiro photo  The driver is helped onto a stretcher. Larry Shapiro photo Drivers stranded by the accident watch as firefighters tend to the patients and hazards. Larry Shapiro photo The driver is removed from the car. Larry Shapiro photo  The driver of this car was also extricated by firefighters. Larry Shapiro photo The driver of the red SUV is taken to an awaiting ambulance. Larry Shapiro photo Damage to the truck. Larry Shapiro photo Several cars were forced up along the center median by the truck. Larry Shapiro photo The driver of this vehicle was transported to Lutheran General Hospital after firefighters completed the extrication. Larry Shapiro photo Wheeling Engine 23 blocked traffic from passing on the opposite side of the highway. Larry Shapiro photo Two of the damaged vehicles at the eastern section of the accident scene. Larry Shapiro photo Three of the six cars along the concrete center barrier. Larry Shapiro photo Click here for a gallery with more images from Larry Shapiro. Customization Gas Cylinder Transportation Frame Customization Gas Cylinder Transportation Frame,Gas Cylinder Transportation Frame,Guard Ring For Gas Tanks,Warehouse Storage For Gas Cylinder Hangzhou Qizheng Trading Co., Ltd. , https://www.gascylindercap.com
Multi-vehicle, multi-victim MVA in Wheeling 3-28-13
A multi-vehicle collision involving a tractor-trailer occurred on the westbound express lanes of Palatine Road near 5:50 PM on Thursday. The incident, which took place just east of Wheeling Road, involved six cars and the semi-truck, causing significant disruption to traffic. Prospect Heights and Wheeling Fire Departments responded to the scene, with Prospect Heights Engine 39 being the closest unit. However, due to heavy congestion with no available shoulder, the engine was unable to access the highway directly. All emergency units had to use the frontage road or travel against traffic on the expressway.
Two individuals were extricated from their vehicles, and five ambulances arrived at the scene to assess the injured. Ultimately, three patients were transported to local hospitals, while many others declined on-scene treatment. In addition to the ambulances, two battalion chiefs, one fire truck, one squad, and three engines were dispatched. Firefighters utilized multiple hydraulic tools to free those trapped in the wreckage.
The westbound lanes remained closed for much of the night as investigators worked to clear the scene and determine the cause of the accident.
Larry Shapiro and Tim Olk were present at the scene and captured several images that will be featured in separate articles.