A fatal crash in northwest suburban West Dundee has shut down two major roadways during the morning rush hour Tuesday, authorities said, urging drivers to avoid the area.
The Kane County Sheriff's office said around 8 a.m. that Miller Road and Illinois Route 31 were "shut down as we investigate a serious crash involving two semi-tractor trailers."
Kane County Undersheriff Amy Johnson said the crash happened when the driver of a freightliner semi was traveling eastbound on Miller Road near Route 31 and collided with the driver of a Mack semi. Police said the driver of the freightliner semi did not stop at a stop sign and collided with the Mack semi, causing the driver of the freightliner, who was not wearing a seatbelt, to be ejected from the cab.
"The driver and the Freightliner semi, which was hauling sand, rolled and came to a final stop to the north shoulder of the roadway on Illinois Route 31," the sheriff's office said in a release. "The Mack semi, which contained enclosed cargo, exited the roadway and was located in a field to the east of Illinois Route 31."
The driver of the freightliner, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mack semi was taken by ambulance to an area hospital with "critical injuries," police said.
No hazmat situation was reported, authorities said.
The sheriff's office urged drivers to "choose alternate routes at this time." The sheriff's office remained at the scene of the crash as of 9:30 a.m. It was not immediately clear how long closures could last.
Check back for more on this developing story.
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