On February 15, 2015, a major multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago, specifically in the express lanes near North Avenue. Photographer Tim Olk captured the scene, providing a powerful visual record of the incident. According to reports, nearly 40 vehicles were involved in the crash, resulting in 59 medical refusals and 12 patients being transported to local hospitals.
The accident was part of a larger pattern of road disruptions caused by lake-effect snow that lingered over the city, creating treacherous driving conditions, especially near Lake Michigan. The Illinois State Police reported that the chain-reaction crash involved between 20 and 30 vehicles on the inbound express lanes, causing a temporary closure between North Avenue and the Ohio Street off-ramp. The incident was first reported around 10 a.m., and traffic remained affected for several hours.
Due to the lack of shoulders on the express lanes, police attributed the crash to the hazardous weather conditions. Fortunately, the highway was reopened by approximately 11 a.m., though the aftermath of the accident left a lasting impact on commuters and emergency responders alike.
Below are some of the images captured by Tim Olk from the scene:
From the Chicago Tribune:
> "Lake-effect snow that is expected to hang around Chicago until the middle of the afternoon is causing slippery conditions on some area roadways close to Lake Michigan, leading to multiple accidents like the one that fouled up traffic on the Kennedy Expressway Sunday morning and afternoon."
> "On the inbound express lanes on the Kennedy Expressway, between 20 and 30 vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash that temporarily closed the expressway, according to the Illinois State Police officials. The crashes were reported at about 10 a.m. and spanned the express lanes between North Avenue and the Ohio Street off-ramp, officials said."
> "Police said the snow conditions were responsible for the chain-reaction crash as there are no shoulders on the express lanes. The expressway was reopened at about 11 a.m., police said."
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
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