Three Illinois Tollway workers were hit, one worker died, on I-294 in Des Plaines, Illinois, early Saturday morning, May 30, 2026 (Asal Rezaei/ABC 7 Chicago). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Illinois State Police troopers, and firefighters and paramedics from Des Plaines responded about 4:28 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026 to a report of a crash involving tollway workers on the southbbound I-294 near milepost 41.5. Lanes 3, 4 and 5 were blocked off, and Illinois State Police troopers began CPR on one tollway worker, who was transported unresponsive to Level 1 Trauma Center Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. The driver that allegedly hit the tollway workers was immediately taken into custody.
All three tollway workers were transported to the hospital by about 5:00 a.m.
A preliminary investigation indicates that three tollway maintenance workers were conducting pothole repairs when they were struck by the driver of a dark blue or black Audi SUV. The Audi was towed to a secure area for the investigation.
Cassaundra Rouse, Illinois Tollway Executive Director, issued a statement calling the incident devastating:
“The Illinois Tollway Board and all Tollway staff are devastated by the loss of one of our Illinois Tollway roadway maintenance workers.
This equipment operator/laborer has worked with the Illinois Tollway for the past two years and was a respected and valued member of the Tollway.
Our equipment operator/laborers work on the front line of our 294-mile roadway system, performing duties that included maintaining safe roadway conditions and assisting drivers who were stranded or needed help. He was carrying out these duties when he tragically lost his life on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).
Roadway workers, police officers and everyday motorists are too often hurt, injured or worse because drivers are not following the Move Over Law. The Tollway reminds everyone to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the road.
We offer our deepest condolences and our full support to family, loved ones and friends for this heartbreaking loss.”
“Heartbreaking news this morning as three tollway workers were struck in Des Plaines while working.
May their memory be a blessing, and may we come together to pray for the injured.
Remember to slow down and keep our workers safe.”
— Gov. JB Pritzker on X
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