State of Illinois authorities said a man was fatally injured early Saturday morning when he lost control of his vehicle near Indian Head park and crashed into the rear of a truck parked on the shoulder of the interstate.
Fifty-year-old Ricky Smith, a resident of Chicago Ridge, died at the scene of the crash, which was reported at about 3 a.m. Saturday, the Illinois State Police reported. Car accident reports did not list any additional injuries that investigators linked to the incident.
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Smith at 2:55 a.m. Saturday was southbound on Interstate 294 near the intersection with Plainfield Road, according to authorities. A semi-tractor trailer was parked nearby on the interstate’s shoulder, car accident reports stated.
Troopers said Smith lost control of the vehicle, drifted off the roadway and slammed into the semi’s rear end. It wasn’t clear from car accident reports available Sunday whether anyone was in the semi at the time of the crash.
Smith died from his injuries at the scene, according to emergency medical personnel. No other injuries have been reported.
Troopers shut down all southbound lanes of the interstate for several hours while crash investigators worked in the area. Traffic resumed shortly after 7 p.m., Illinois State Police officials reported.
Troopers said the incident remains under investigation. Authorities have not said whether contributing factors like intoxication, road conditions or speed are thought to have played roles in the incident.