5-Year-Old, 3 Others Killed In Fiery Crash In Kankakee County: Sheriff

REDDICK, IL — Four people—including a 5-year-old child—were killed Thursday night in a two-car crash in Kankakee County, the sheriff's office said.

At approximately 10:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Kankakee County Sheriff’s deputies were called for a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of 18000 West and 2000 South Rd., in Reddick.

Deputies found one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames, police said. Preliminary investigation revealed that each vehicle contained two occupants. All four were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Witnesses reported that a 2021 Honda Accord had been traveling recklessly prior to the collision, the sheriff's office said, crossing the center line at a high rate of speed and passing other motorists moments before impact. The Honda subsequently struck a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox head-on as the Equinox was traveling southbound.

The Illinois State Police Traffic Reconstruction Unit was requested to assist the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office.

Police told WCIA that the 5-year-old girl, a Champaign resident, was a passenger in the Honda Accord.

“The loss of life in this tragic crash — particularly the death of a young child — is absolutely heartbreaking,” said Sheriff Mike Downey. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident. We remind all motorists to exercise caution, obey speed limits, and drive responsibly to help prevent tragedies like this from occurring.”

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Reddick is a village in Kankakee County, with a small portion that extends into Livingston County. Its population was recorded as 199 in 2020.