1 Injured When Ice Chunk, Snow Falls From Semi, Hits Truck: Authorities

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A van driver was injured when a chunk of ice or snow flew off a semi truck and hit his windshield while both were driving near Marengo on Friday afternoon.

The Marengo Fire & Rescue District was called to the incident in the 9200 block of South Grant Highway in unincorporated Marengo at about 12:50 p.m. on Friday, according to a news release from the fire and rescue district.

Emergency crews arrived a short time later and found the work van, which sustained damage to its windshield. Authorities learned a semi truck traveling ahead of the van had a chunk of snow or ice, which fell from it, causing the windshield to break.

The driver was also injured and was evaluated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital with moderate injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

Following the incident, authorities are reminding drivers of the importance of removing snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Larger vehicles, including trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles, can accumulate large amounts of snow and ice that may fall off while in motion and create serious roadway hazards, according to the news release.

"Taking a few extra minutes to clear your vehicle helps protect you and everyone else on the road," authorities said.

The cause of the crash remain under investigation.