Serious Crash on Route 176 at Union Road Sends Two to Hospital, One by Helicopter

From the Marengo Fire and Rescue District:

Two-Vehicle Crash with Prolonged Extrication

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7:59 a.m., the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and Union Fire Protection District responded to the intersection of N. Union Road and Route 176 for a reported motor vehicle crash.

First-arriving crews located a two-vehicle crash with heavy damage; both vehicles had come to rest in the northwest ditch.

Upon initial assessment, one driver was found unconscious and heavily entrapped in his pickup truck.

A second ambulance and a heavy rescue squad were requested to assist with the prolonged extrication efforts.

Due to the severity of the driver’s injuries, a medical helicopter was called to the scene and landed in a nearby field.

The flight crew joined ground personnel during the extrication, providing advanced medical care and working alongside firefighters to stabilize the patient while he remained trapped.

After approximately 60 minutes, the injured adult male was successfully removed from the vehicle and transferred to the waiting helicopter.

At the time of transport, he was believed to have sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for additional treatment.

The driver of a black SUV, the sole occupant of that vehicle, was transported by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital with moderate injuries.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District assisted with an unrelated medical call in the district during the incident, while Huntley Fire Protection District provided change-of-quarters coverage.

Their assistance was greatly appreciated.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Any questions regarding the cause, fault, or other investigative matters should be directed to their office.

Photos are courtesy of the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts.