Makenna M. Maurisak, a 24-year-old Manhattan woman, was killed Thursday as a result of a crash with a school bus on eastbound Manhattan-Monee Road in Manhattan Township, the Will County coroner’s office reported Friday.
Illinois State Police said the accident occurred at 8:17 a.m. just west of School House Road.
Preliminary information indicates a Chevrolet Malibu sedan driven by Maurisak was traveling east while the school bus was heading west, Illinois State Police said Friday.
“For an unknown reason, the driver of the Chevrolet Malibu lost control of their vehicle and crossed over the center boundary line into the westbound lanes,” police said.
The front of the school bus struck the passenger side of the Chevrolet Malibu, police said.
The school bus was transporting students from Manhattan Elementary District 114, officials said. Ten children and the school bus driver were taken to Silver Cross Hospital as a precaution, but no serious injuries were reported.
All students were released to their parents by Thursday afternoon, District 114 said.
State police said Friday they are continuing their investigation and did not have more information.
Village safety concerns
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen called it a heartbreaking tragedy. He said village officials are listening to residents’ concerns and meeting with Illinois Department of Transportation officials to push for more road safety measures.
Thursday’s crash came just months after a 13-year-old boy riding his bike was struck and killed by a semitruck near State Street and East North Street.
Adrieansen said the speed limit is too high and there have been three fatalities in the past several years.
IDOT has initiated a safety study that is expected to be released in the summer, Adrieansen said. A three-way stop, crosswalk and flashing lights were installed in the fall at State Street and East North, at the request of the community.
Residents are also concerned with the speed limit on Manhattan-Monee Road, west of Cedar Road, which is 45 mph and drops to 30 mph. The road heading east to Interstate 57 is also narrow, Adrieansen said.
Other concerns residents have shared are the increasing number of semitrucks traveling through the village, Adrieansen said.
Manhattan engineers are designing safety crosswalks and street lighting to cross Route 52 safely and have installed security cameras downtown allowing police to monitor traffic.
Adrieansen said residents’ advocacy has also been responsible for a lot of progress being made.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.