2 Dead, Kids Hurt After Car Crashes Into Des Plaines Building: Police

DES PLAINES, IL — Two pedestrians were killed Sunday afternoon when they were struck by a car that had left the road before crashing into a building in Des Plaines. Police said the crash happened at around 12:16 p.m. in the 400 block of East Northwest Highway.

Police tell Patch a 71-year-old man was traveling eastbound on the highway in his SUV when he crossed the westbound lanes of traffic, exited the roadway, before striking the building.

The deceased — an 80-year-old Skokie man and a 42-year-old Arlington Heights woman — were taken to an area hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. WBBM-TV is reporting the deceased have been identified as Kimberly Karsen and her father, Neal Greenfield. The driver is a resident of Des Plaines.

The driver was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The vehicle was also occupied by a girl and a boy at the time of the crash. Neither sustained serious injuries.

The Des Plaines Fire Department was working with Nicor Gas following the crash to secure the area, as the incident resulted in a gas leak in one of the buildings.

At this time, police investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in this incident.