Local News
Bria Allen Killed, Two Children Injured After Vehicle Loses Control on Icy Road in Gurnee
GURNEE, Ill. — A tragic crash in the north suburbs claimed the life of a woman and left two young children injured Sunday night after a vehicle reportedly struck a patch of ice and lost control, authorities said.
According to the Gurnee Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 8:54 p.m. Sunday on Grand Avenue over Interstate 94.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban was traveling westbound on Grand Avenue when the vehicle attempted to change lanes. Due to the icy road conditions, the Suburban is believed to have hit a patch of ice, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle then crossed the center median and entered the eastbound lanes of traffic, where it collided head-on with a 2007 Ford Focus traveling east.
The force of the impact pushed the Ford Focus off the roadway and into a nearby ditch.
The driver of the Ford Focus, identified as 29-year-old Bria Allen of Evanston, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Allen died from blunt force injuries sustained during the crash.
The occupants of the Suburban—a 29-year-old woman from Waukegan and her two children, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-month-old girl—were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.
No additional injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
The Gurnee Police Department, with assistance from the Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT), continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities noted that winter weather and icy road conditions likely played a contributing role in the fatal collision.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.