From the Harvard Fire Protection District:
Overnight Crash with Critical Injuries on Route 14
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 1:34 a.m., the Harvard Fire Protection District responded to the 7800 block of Route 14 for a report of a vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, crews located a single vehicle that had struck a utility pole.
The vehicle had sustained significant damage, and the adult male driver was found trapped inside.
A leaning power line created an additional hazard at the scene, prompting immediate coordination with utility officials.
The force of the impact had peeled back the driver’s side of the vehicle, prompting an urgent extrication.
Firefighters freed the driver within 10 minutes and immediately initiated life-saving measures.
A medical helicopter and MD-1, an emergency physician response vehicle, were requested to the scene.
The helicopter landed nearby and airlifted the patient, who sustained critical life-threatening injuries, to Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside in Rockford for further treatment.
The roadway was reopened by 4:30 a.m., but ComEd is expected to remain in the area throughout the morning to complete repairs to the damaged utility pole.
Harvard received assistance from the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and the Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District.
The Harvard Police Department is investigating the crash. Any additional questions regarding the cause, fault, or contributing factors should be directed to their office.
Photos are courtesy of the Harvard Fire Protection District.
