Fatal Crash, Second Collision Snarl Wilmington-Peotone Road

A fatal crash on Wilmington-Peotone Road Tuesday morning was complicated by a second, separate collision in the same area, prompting an extended closure of the roadway as emergency crews work both scenes.

Authorities have confirmed one fatality in the first incident. According to Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone, the initial crash occurred near the intersection with South Elevator Road when a car and a semi-truck collided head-on. The driver of the car, an adult female, was killed in the crash. The driver of the semi was reported to be uninjured.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification.

Later, at approximately 12:48 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to a second motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Wilmington-Peotone Road and South Cedar Road. Officials reported that this second collision was serious and required crews to perform an extrication to free at least one person from a vehicle. Details on injuries from the second crash were not immediately available.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office is investigating both incidents.

Due to the two separate crash scenes, the road closure has been extended. Wilmington-Peotone Road is now fully closed in both directions from U.S. Route 45 to Tulley Road.

There is currently no estimated time for reopening. Officials are strongly advising all motorists to avoid the area entirely and seek alternate routes. Additional information will be provided by authorities as it becomes available.