Police: 4 dead, 1 critical after Des Plaines car wreck

Authorities investigate after a fatal car wreck in Des Plaines late Thursday. | Network Video Productions

(DES PLAINES) Four people were killed and a fifth was clinging to life after a three-vehicle crash in northwest suburban Des Plaines on Thursday night, police said.

Emergency crews responded at 8:53 p.m. to the wreck at 170 Northwest Highway, according to Des Plaines police.

A Mercedes had been speeding west on Northwest Highway when it slammed head-on into a Chevrolet Impala in oncoming traffic as the Impala turned into a parking lot, police said. The force of the collision sent the Impala back into the eastbound lanes, and it was hit by a Toyota Highlander.

Three family members in the Impala were taken to hospitals where they died, police said. Their names have not been released.

The driver of the Mercedes, who police said was at fault for the crash, also died at a hospital, police said. A passenger was in critical condition at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge early Friday. They weren’t related, according to police.

Two people in the Highlander were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Police did not specify who was in each vehicle, but among the victims were three men, ages 22, 26 and 52; and two women, ages 20 and 50.

Authorities investigate after a fatal car wreck in Des Plaines late Thursday. | Network Video Productions
Authorities investigate after a fatal car wreck in Des Plaines late Thursday. | Network Video Productions
Authorities investigate after a fatal car wreck in Des Plaines late Thursday. | Network Video Productions
Authorities investigate after a fatal car wreck in Des Plaines late Thursday. | Network Video Productions