MANHATTAN, IL — First responders were called to a head-on crash at US 52 and Baker Road early Monday, Manhattan Fire Protection District Chief Steve Malone told Patch.
The crash just before 7 a.m. and just north of Baker Road involved a Ford F-250 pickup truck equipped with a snowplow and a small SUV, Manhattan fire officials said. One man had to be extricated from his vehicle and was taken from the scene in critical condition, fire officials said. A second patient, also male, was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash closed US 52 from Baker to Delaney roads, Malone said. The crash is in Illinois State Police jurisdiction; Manhattan police assisting asked all drivers to avoid the area.
The road reopened just before noon.
The crash was just one of several within an hour Monday morning, fire officials said, as snow and ice created hazardous and deteriorating road conditions throughout the area.
Mutual aid assistance was provided by the East Joliet, New Lenox, Monee, and Manteno Fire Protection Districts, whose crews assisted with incident response and coverage within the district.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District reminds motorists to use extreme caution when traveling during hazardous weather conditions, reduce speed, increase following distance, and remain alert for emergency vehicles operating on roadways.