CHICAGO, IL – A fatal collision took place in Chicago’s Little Village, around 4 a.m. Saturday, after a driver ran a red light and crashed into a CTA bus, forcing the bus into a storefront. This fatal incident resulted in the death of the driver and injuries to three others.
The driver, an 18-year-old man, collided with the northbound CTA bus driving on West 26th Street, after ignoring a red light. The collision sent the bus veering off the road and into a building, where it finally stopped. Surveillance feed captured the events leading up to the accident, showing pedestrians crossing the road scant seconds before the crash.
The driver of the vehicle, held responsible for the incident, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and later declared dead. His companion, a 21-year-old woman, reportedly in good condition, was also taken to the same hospital. Similarly, the CTA bus driver and one passenger, both women, were transported to local hospitals, reporting to be in good condition.
Amparo Galan, a passenger on the bus, nursed injuries on her leg and side following the accident. Galan felt lucky to survive the fatal crash.
Another local, Mary, a street vendor was setting up across the street when the crash occurred. She considered it a divine protection that she had not set up a few minutes earlier, considering the aftermath.
The building’s façade partially collapsed after the crash, scattering debris, like bricks, onto the street. The scene is being cleared by city workers, and a building inspector is assessing the situation.
The police have not yet released the name of the deceased driver or issued any citations in connection with the incident.