3 Dead in I-80 Crash

Two men and a woman killed when car struck construction equipment, officials say

Two men and a woman, all southwest suburban Crest Hill residents in their 20s, are dead after the car they were traveling in struck construction equipment on Interstate 80 in New Lenox early Saturday.

A 2009 Honda Civic driven by 27-year-old Christopher Bannon was traveling westbound on I-80 at milepost 137 at the Route 30 interchange about 2:20 a.m., according to Illinois State Police District Joliet.

Bannon lost control of the car and drove into the center median, state police said. The Honda struck the rear of a construction vehicle which was stationary in the center median.

New Lenox Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. Bannon and two passengers, 21-year-old Jenna Bianco and 22-year-old James Vacek, were pronounced dead on the scene.

Bannon and Bianco were wearing their seatbelts, state police said. Vacek was not wearing his seatbelt. State police said weather was not a factor in the crash, but it was unknown if any other factors played a role. Illinois State Police continue to investigate the crash.

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