Chicago Hit-and-Run Wave: Cyclist Critically Injured in Southwest Side Semi-Truck Collision
A 37-year-old bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a semi-truck in a hit-and-run incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side early Friday morning. The crash is part of a disturbing surge in hit-and-run accidents reported across the city this week, including two recent fatalities.
Details of the Marquette Park Collision
According to reports from Chicago Police, the incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. In the 6400-block of South Kedzie Avenue in the Marquette Park neighborhood. The 37-year-old man was riding his bicycle northbound when he attempted to make a left turn. At that moment, a semi-truck traveling southbound struck him.
The driver of the semi-truck failed to stop and fled the scene immediately following the collision. The cyclist sustained a significant head injury and was rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he remains in critical condition.
A Week of Increasing Hit-and-Run Incidents
This Friday morning’s collision marks at least the fourth hit-and-run incident in Chicago this week. The city has seen a rapid succession of violent traffic accidents involving drivers fleeing the scene, two of which have resulted in deaths. The Chicago Sun-Times notes that these incidents have spanned several different neighborhoods over the last few days.
Recent Hit-and-Run Summary
| Date/Time | Location | Incident Details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, 6:50 a.m. | 6400 block of South Kedzie Ave | 37-year-old cyclist struck by semi; critical condition. |
| Thursday, 11 p.m. | 8700 block of South Ashland Ave | Man hit by a beige car; deceased. |
| Tuesday Night | 6800 block of South Pulaski Rd | 53-year-old man hit by orange Honda SUV while changing a tire; deceased. |
| Monday | 3100 block of West Franklin Blvd | 45-year-old woman critically injured by a maroon vehicle. |
Ongoing Investigation
The Chicago Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Unit is currently handling the probe into the Marquette Park collision. Authorities are working to identify the semi-truck and its driver. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the Friday morning crash or the other recent hit-and-run incidents reported this week.
Key Takeaways
- Critical Injury: A 37-year-old cyclist is hospitalized in critical condition following a semi-truck hit-and-run in Marquette Park.
- Location: The crash occurred in the 6400-block of South Kedzie Avenue around 6:50 a.m. Friday.
- Safety Trend: This is the fourth hit-and-run in Chicago this week, following two fatal accidents on Thursday and Tuesday.
- Police Action: The Major Accident Investigation Unit is leading the investigation to locate the fleeing driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the injured cyclist taken?
The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for emergency treatment.
What caused the accident in Marquette Park?
Police state the cyclist was struck by a southbound semi-truck while attempting to make a left turn while traveling northbound on South Kedzie Avenue.
Has anyone been arrested for these crashes?
No arrests have been reported in relation to the recent series of hit-and-run incidents in Chicago.