Two People in Critical Condition After Plainfield Crash [UPDATE]

Sections of Route 59 and 119th Street closed following a serious crash in Plainfield Wednesday morning had reopened as of around 3 p.m., police said.

Plainfield Deputy Fire Chief Jon Stratton said two people were in critical condition following the three-car crash at around 10:41 a.m. at Route 59 and 119th Street. 

According to police, the crash occurred when a southbound vehicle went through the red light at Route 59 and 119th Street, striking a second vehicle that was heading east on 119th Street. The side impact collision caused the second vehicle to hit a third vehicle, which was stopped on northbound Route 59 at 119th Street.

A male driver of a Ford Ranger was taken to Rush-Copley Hospital in Aurora in critical condition, while the female driver of a Toyota Sequoia was transported to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, also in critical condition, according to Stratton. There were no other occupants in those vehicles, police said.

"There was heavy extrication" of the drivers following the crash, Stratton said.

Two female occupants of a Chevy Suburban refused treatment at the scene of the crash.

Stratton said low visibility may have played a role in the crash, saying snow-covered traffic lights are difficult to see after the snowstorm.

"Visibility is very bad with the traffic lights — we're hearing that from other jurisdictions, too," Stratton said.

Plainfield Police Sgt. Mike Fisher said it could take weeks to complete the investigation and determine whether any citations will be issued in the crash. He said investigators would also like to speak with the injured drivers, although it's unclear when that could happen.

Fisher said both drivers sustained "very significant injuries."