UNION — Traffic investigators suspect cell phone usage was a contributing factor in a fatal two-vehicle accident Wednesday that claimed the life of a 27-year-old Rockford woman and critically injured a 24-year-old Marengo man in unincorporated Union.
The identities of the motorists have yet to be released.
Members of the Marengo and Union Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff's deputies responded about 9:40 p.m. to a report of a crash in the 17000 block of Illinois 176.
The preliminary investigation showed a 2005 Honda Civic was traveling west on US 176 and for unknown reasons veered into the oncoming lane of traffic, where it collided with an eastbound 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Jeep was transported by Marengo Rescue to Centegra Huntley Hospital. He was later transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where he remains in critical but stable condition, a McHenry County Sheriff's Department news release said.
Traffic investigators said both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The investigation is ongoing by the McHenry County Sheriff's Office Major Crash Investigation Unit and the McHenry County Coroner's Office.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen