Fatal Crash, Several Other Collisions Reported On Icy Roads Monday: Authorities

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Snow- and ice-covered roadways contributed to crashes in McHenry County Monday, including a fatal crash near Harvard, authorities said.

Strong wind gusts led to blowing and drifting snow and hazardous travel conditions across the McHenry County area through the Monday morning commute and into the late morning hours as well, said Alex Vucha, public information officer for Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.

The most serious collision occurred shortly before 6 a.m. near the intersection of South Division Street and McGuire Road in Harvard, according to a news release.

The driver, a woman, was found inside the vehicle and was unconscious and not breathing, according to authorities. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her identity and cause of death has not yet been released.

Meanwhile, three collisions occurred on Interstate 90 in the Huntley area on Monday, according to the news release. The Huntley Fire Protection District reported five total collisions on slick roadways.

"Firefighters reported road conditions were less than ideal, with snowplows having difficulty keeping up due to the high winds and rapidly drifting snow," Vucha said.

Earlier on Monday, at around 4 a.m., the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded to a commercial truck rollover just north of Route 47 and Ware Road in Woodstock.

The truck was hauling grain, and two people inside the truck were evaluated by paramedics and refused further medical treatment. As of noon on Monday, the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded to two additional crashes within the district, with no serious injuries reported.

Hazardous road conditions are again in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, and weather officials are urging drivers to use caution and check road conditions before heading out both days.

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