2 Dead In Head-On Crash Involving SUV, Box Truck: Park Forest PD

PARK FOREST, IL — A man and woman from Steger have died from injuries they sustained when their SUV hit a box truck head-on Thursday afternoon in Park Forest, police said.

Police responded to the crash just before 3 p.m. near the west intersection of 26th Street and Allegheny Street.

Officials identified the occupants of the SUV as Oscar Hamer, 71, and his wife Victoria Hamer, 69, of Steger. Both were fatally injured in the crash and later died, police said.

The driver of the box truck suffered minor injuries.

Police said an initial investigation into the crash found that the mid-sized SUV was headed west on 26th Street when it crossed into the eastbound lane, hitting the box truck head on.

Park Forest police said the investigation is ongoing, and it's possible the SUV may have crossed into oncoming traffic to avoid or pass a third vehicle. The third vehicle was not involved in the crash and was not at the scene when police arrived.

Anyone who was in the area and witnessed any portion of the crash is asked to call the Park Forest Police Investigations Division at 708-748-1309.

The Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team (SMART) responded to assist with the crash investigation, along with the South Chicago Heights Fire Department, University Park Fire Department and Rich Township Homeland Security and Emergency Services.