Band Issues Statement After 9 Members Injured In McHenry Co. Crash

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Nine of the members of a traveling band from Mexico who were injured when their transport van crashed in McHenry last weekend are expected to survive, the band said in a statement this past week.

Three of the members were seriously injured — including one who required a helicopter transport to the hospital — and six more were hospitalized following the collision in the area of Route 31 and Prime Parkway on Saturday night. None of the band members have life-threatening injuries, according to the statement from La Picosa Hernández Banda. The band is based in Ocotlán, Mexico.

• 9 Injured When Band Tour Van Hits Pole On Route 31

Police believe the driver of the van fell asleep at the wheel before crashing into an electrical pole, according to NBC Chicago. The band was traveling from the Chicago suburbs to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area when the collision occurred.

“We deeply appreciate all the expressions of affection, concern, and messages we have received from our audience and colleagues. It comforts us to know that we have your unconditional support,” the band said in a statement, which was translated from Spanish to English.

“We reiterate our commitment to you and to each performance we put on with so much love and dedication. We will continue to inform you about the progress of our colleagues and any relevant updates. Thank you for your understanding. The most important thing is that, thank God, we are all fine, and fortunately, this was only a big scare,” the statement said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.