Itasca fatal I-290 crash under I-355 flyover claims two adults, infant; ISP investigating

• What we know about the I-290 crash under the I-355 south flyover near Itasca
• Where it happened and why this interchange matters locally
• Response timeline and ongoing investigation
• How fatal highway crash investigations proceed in Illinois
• Who to contact for official records: police report, autopsy, death certificates
• Possible civil liability questions in a single-vehicle fixed-object crash
• Insurance considerations after a fatal single-vehicle collision in Illinois
• Context on fixed-object crashes, vehicle fires, and child passenger safety
• Local reflections on nighttime travel through Itasca in December
• Practical timing: preserving evidence and key Illinois deadlines
• Grief and crisis support resources
• Interacting with insurance adjusters
• Why timely action matters after a highway fatality
• Commentary from Gosuits Itasca, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

What we know about the I-290 crash under the I-355 south flyover near Itasca

Late Wednesday night, December 3, 2025, Illinois State Police and the Itasca Fire Protection District responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-290 West near the southbound I-355 flyover. First responders arrived around 11:43 p.m. to find a vehicle fully engulfed in fire in the left-side ditch beneath the flyover structure. Fire crews extinguished the blaze by approximately 12:02 a.m.

Tragically, two adults and an infant were found deceased inside the vehicle. According to Illinois State Police, the westbound vehicle left the roadway near the I-355 southbound ramp, entered a ditch, and struck a concrete bridge support column. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to ignite. Traffic was diverted to Lake Street during the response, and I-290 West remained closed until about 4:14 a.m. The names of the victims were not initially released.

This loss touches many in the Itasca, Addison, Wood Dale, and Elk Grove Village communities, especially those who drive this stretch at all hours for shift work or family travel. It’s a difficult location to imagine such a devastating event. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.

Where it happened and why this interchange matters locally

The crash occurred on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) under the elevated flyover ramp that carries traffic to I-355 south. This interchange sits on the border of Itasca and Addison, just west of the Lake Street corridor and not far from business parks that bustle during daytime and evening shifts. Drivers from Roselle, Bloomingdale, and Glendale Heights regularly use this connection to reach the Veterans Memorial Tollway and points south.

If you’ve driven here, you know how the lanes and ramps split and weave. At night in early December, the mix of darkness, varying speeds, and the visual complexity of signs and ramp supports can be challenging. It’s a reminder of how quickly something can go wrong on a familiar route. Authorities haven’t indicated a specific cause, and it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Investigators will work through a methodical process before they can confidently say what contributed to the crash.

Response timeline and ongoing investigation

Based on publicly available information from first responders:

• 11:43 p.m. Initial dispatch for a crash with fire on I-290 West near I-355, left shoulder area under the flyover.
• By 12:02 a.m. Fire extinguished by Itasca Fire Protection District crews.
• After fire suppression Two adults and an infant were found deceased in the vehicle.
• Traffic control I-290 West traffic was diverted to Lake Street during the investigation and cleanup.
• 4:14 a.m. (approx.) I-290 West reopened.

Illinois State Police typically handle crash reconstruction on interstates in this area. Their work can take days to weeks, depending on evidence recovery, vehicle inspection, scene mapping, and follow-up analysis.

How fatal highway crash investigations proceed in Illinois

In Illinois, highway fatality investigations are thorough and often involve several agencies. On the interstate system around Itasca, the Illinois State Police generally lead the crash investigation, with local fire/EMS handling rescue and suppression. Here’s what investigators commonly examine, without implying any specific factor in this case:

• Scene mapping and measurements Investigators document final rest positions, skid or yaw marks, debris fields, and impact points. This helps reconstruct speeds and trajectories.
• Vehicle inspection Checking for post-crash fire patterns, restraint use, airbag deployment, and any signs of pre-impact mechanical issues. If applicable, they may access a vehicle’s electronic data recorder (EDR), which can capture pre-crash speed, braking, and other parameters. NHTSA provides general information on EDRs at nhtsa.gov.
• Roadway and environment Lighting, signage, pavement condition, rumble strips, guardrails or bridge pier protection, and weather conditions are assessed. The Federal Highway Administration maintains guidance on roadside safety countermeasures and clear zones at safety.fhwa.dot.gov.
• Witness statements and calls Troopers may canvass for eyewitness accounts, dashcam footage, or commercial vehicle telematics that captured the incident.
• Toxicology and autopsy The county coroner evaluates causes of death and may conduct toxicology to complete the medical portion of the investigation. In this area, that’s handled through DuPage County.

These steps are standard across Illinois. Families should know that it’s normal for final reports to take time as agencies ensure accuracy and completeness before release.

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Who to contact for official records: police report, autopsy, death certificates

When a fatal crash occurs on an interstate in DuPage County, several agencies may hold important records. It can feel overwhelming to figure out who to call first, so the list below offers a starting point specific to this location. Policies can change, so it’s wise to confirm current procedures before you go in person.

Illinois State Police (ISP) – crash report and investigation status

Illinois State Police oversee interstate crash investigations. Families or authorized representatives typically obtain crash reports through ISP’s designated processes. For questions about reports or to request public records, start here:

• ISP main site: isp.illinois.gov
• Public records and FOIA: isp.illinois.gov/FOIA

If you’re not sure which ISP unit handled the scene, you can ask the ISP public information office to route your inquiry based on the date, time, and location of the crash on I-290 near the I-355 south flyover by Itasca.

DuPage County Coroner – autopsy and cause of death

The DuPage County Coroner is responsible for determining cause and manner of death and for maintaining autopsy and related records. Authorized next of kin can inquire about reports and timelines. The county’s official website provides contact information for the Coroner’s Office:

• DuPage County: dupagecounty.gov (navigate to the Coroner’s Office)

When calling, have the date of the incident, location (I-290 near I-355, Itasca area), and the decedent’s identifying information if available. Staff can explain what records are available, how to request them, and when toxicology results might be complete.

Death certificates

Certified death certificates are typically issued through the county or the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH vital records page outlines statewide procedures and options:

• Illinois Department of Public Health – Vital Records: dph.illinois.gov

DuPage County’s Clerk/Recorder office also has local instructions for obtaining certified copies. Start at the county’s main site and navigate to the Clerk’s office.

IDOT records and roadway information

The Illinois Department of Transportation maintains roadway infrastructure for I-290 and hosts public records request guidance. If families or their representatives need records related to roadway design, signage, lighting, or maintenance in the area, FOIA is the usual route.

• IDOT FOIA: idot.illinois.gov

Note that crash investigation reports are handled by ISP, not IDOT. IDOT may have traffic engineering documents, maintenance logs, or project plans relevant to the interchange.

Possible civil liability questions in a single-vehicle fixed-object crash

Even when only one vehicle is involved, there are circumstances in which civil liability can extend beyond the driver. Every case is fact-specific. Here are common avenues investigators and attorneys consider, offered for general information and not tied to a specific conclusion about this crash:

• Driver-related negligence: Speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment can contribute to loss of control. If passengers are harmed, claims may be brought against the driver’s liability insurance and, if deceased, the driver’s estate. Whether that applies depends on investigative findings.
• Vehicle defects: Sudden mechanical failures, tire defects, steering or braking issues, or post-impact fuel-fed fires can raise product liability questions. Preservation of the vehicle is critical so independent experts can inspect components.
• Roadway design or maintenance issues: Inadequate signage, lighting outages, poor drainage, pavement drop-offs, or insufficient shielding of fixed objects (like bridge piers) may be examined. The Federal Highway Administration outlines best practices on roadside safety and clear zones at safety.fhwa.dot.gov. Claims involving public entities are governed by specific statutes and defenses in Illinois.
• Third-party contributions: A near-miss, cut-off, or debris from another vehicle can precipitate a crash even without a direct collision. Witness statements, dashcams, and commercial truck telematics can be vital.

Illinois law provides avenues for families, including actions under the Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180, and the Survival Act provision in the Probate Act, 755 ILCS 5/27-6. You can read those statutes at the Illinois General Assembly website: ilga.gov and ilga.gov.

Insurance considerations after a fatal single-vehicle collision in Illinois

Illinois is an at-fault state. That means liability insurance for a negligent driver typically covers injuries to passengers and others harmed. In a single-vehicle fatality, the insurance picture can be complex, especially when passengers are family members. Without offering case-specific advice, these general points may help orient families:

• Liability coverage: If the driver is found negligent, the driver’s liability policy may apply to injuries or deaths of passengers who are not excluded under the policy terms. Policy limits can be a constraint.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): If an unknown or uninsured third party contributed (for example, road debris drop), UM coverage may be relevant. Documentation is critical to assess this possibility.
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay): Some Illinois auto policies include MedPay, which can help with immediate costs like medical or funeral expenses, regardless of fault. The availability and amount vary by policy.
• Wrongful death beneficiaries: Under 740 ILCS 180, recoveries are for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin, allocated by a court according to the losses suffered. See the statute text at ilga.gov.
• Estate and probate: Claims for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering are typically brought by the personal representative of the estate under the Survival Act. This usually requires opening an estate in the county of residence.

Before any communication with insurance companies, it’s prudent to consult a seasoned attorney for a free consultation to understand rights and obligations. What someone says to an adjuster can be recorded and used later to limit or deny claims.

Context on fixed-object crashes, vehicle fires, and child passenger safety

Nationwide data help make sense of the risks on complex interchanges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, single-vehicle crashes account for a significant share of traffic fatalities each year, and collisions with fixed objects like trees, poles, and bridge supports are a major subset. NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Facts series provides in-depth annual data at nhtsa.gov.

Engineers work to reduce the severity of run-off-road crashes by placing guardrails or barriers, removing hazards from the “clear zone,” and designing forgiving roadsides where feasible. The Federal Highway Administration’s overview of roadside safety and clear zone concepts is available at safety.fhwa.dot.gov. However, not every location can be fully shielded, especially around large bridge structures, and high-energy impacts can still be unsurvivable.

Vehicle fires after high-energy impacts are uncommon overall but do occur. Modern cars incorporate fire safety measures, yet ruptured fuel lines, electrical shorts, or intense heat from severe collisions can lead to rapid fire growth. NHTSA publishes technical resources on post-crash safety and EDRs at nhtsa.gov.

For children, appropriate car seat use is critical in everyday travel. Proper selection and installation are emphasized by NHTSA’s child passenger safety guidance at nhtsa.gov. That said, no seat can guarantee survival in the most extreme impacts or thermal events. It’s important not to assign blame when facts are not yet known.

Local reflections on nighttime travel through Itasca in December

Many in DuPage County know the feel of this interchange late at night: wet pavement that looks darker under overhead structures, headlights reflecting off signs, and the quick decisions required as lanes split for I-355. In early December, temperatures drop quickly after dark. While investigators have not cited weather as a factor, drivers in our area routinely contend with rapidly changing conditions and early-morning fatigue around shift changes.

Lake Street, where traffic was diverted during the closure, is a familiar relief route for Addison and Itasca residents. The diversion itself is a stark reminder of how a single crash can ripple through the community, delaying caregivers getting home from Lutheran General or Alexian Brothers shifts, or late-night warehouse crews heading along the U.S. 20 corridor.

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Practical timing: preserving evidence and key Illinois deadlines

After a fatal crash, time moves strangely. Even as people grieve, there are practical steps that can protect rights down the line. Some actions must happen quickly:

• Preserve the vehicle: If the vehicle is towed to a storage lot, prompt written notice to preserve the vehicle and its components can be crucial for later inspection. An EDR may store short windows of pre-crash data that should be downloaded by qualified professionals.
• Secure photos and video: Dashcam footage from the involved vehicle or nearby drivers, and traffic camera data where available, may be time-limited. Businesses along Lake Street and nearby frontage roads sometimes have cameras that overwrite quickly.
• Request official records: Initiate requests for the ISP crash report, DuPage County Coroner’s records, and any IDOT documents that may be relevant to the location and roadway condition.

Illinois law sets deadlines for civil actions. As general references:

• Wrongful death actions are generally subject to a two-year limitation period. See 740 ILCS 180/2(d) at ilga.gov.
• Claims against local public entities may have a one-year limitation under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/8-101, available at ilga.gov.

These are general statutes and exceptions may apply. Because deadlines can be unforgiving, prompt consultation with a skilled attorney can help clarify applicable timeframes and preservation steps. This article is for educational purposes and isn’t case-specific guidance.

Grief and crisis support resources

Losses of this magnitude strain families and friends. If someone needs immediate emotional support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Information about 988 can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ site: samhsa.gov.

Faith communities in Itasca, Addison, Wood Dale, and surrounding areas, as well as local hospitals, often have bereavement groups. It can help to lean on those networks while the formal investigations unfold.

Interacting with insurance adjusters

Insurance companies will often reach out early, sometimes within days. That can feel like help arriving quickly, but there are important cautions to observe:

• Consult an attorney first: Before giving a statement or signing anything, consider a free consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer. What someone says to an insurer can be recorded and later used to minimize or deny claims.
• Limit recorded statements: Adjusters may ask to record calls. Without counsel, it’s easy to agree to something that seems routine but becomes a hurdle later.
• Do not speculate: Stick to known facts. Investigations take time, and early guesses can be misconstrued.
• Request communications in writing: Ask for letters or emails summarizing what the insurer is requesting. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Insurance is complex in any fatality, especially when multiple decedents, estates, and policies are involved. Independent guidance can level the playing field.

Why timely action matters after a highway fatality

Here’s what should be done, and why it matters right now:

• Identify and preserve key evidence: The vehicle, any available EDR data, and scene photographs can make or break later determinations about fault, defect, or roadway issues. Storage yards, insurers, and third parties may dispose of evidence unless preservation letters are sent promptly.
• Request official reports early: ISP crash reports, coroner documents, and relevant IDOT records each have their own timelines. Starting the process now helps avoid bottlenecks when decisions need to be made.
• Open estates where needed: Wrongful death and survival claims usually require a personal representative to be appointed through the circuit court. That step takes time, and it’s essential for lawful access to records and for negotiating with insurers.
• Map insurance coverage: Identifying all available policies, limits, potential UM/UIM, and MedPay requires careful review. Early clarity prevents missed notices or deadlines.
• Track deadlines: Illinois statutes limit how long claims can be filed, and some public-entity claims may have shorter windows. Starting now protects options later.

By acting in these areas right away, families put themselves in the best position to understand what happened and to assert their rights within Illinois’ timeframes.

Commentary from Gosuits Itasca, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

We’re deeply sorry to hear about the two adults and the child who lost their lives under the I-355 south flyover on I-290. A crash like this pierces the heart of communities from Itasca to Addison and beyond. Please know this article is intended for educational purposes and general information as people look for solid footing in an unimaginably hard moment.

From the details known so far, this was a high-energy, single-vehicle collision with a concrete bridge support followed by a fire. While it may be tempting to see “single-vehicle” and assume the story ends there, we caution against drawing conclusions until the Illinois State Police complete their reconstruction and the DuPage County Coroner finalizes findings. In our experience, thorough reviews consider not only driver factors but also potential vehicle failures and whether the roadway environment met accepted safety standards for that setting.

Insurance companies and large institutions move quickly after incidents like this. They understand how unfamiliar the process can feel, and they sometimes use that gap in knowledge to their advantage. Early recorded statements, quick settlement offers, or requests to inspect or move the vehicle can shape outcomes in ways that aren’t obvious at the time. The language in policies and releases can be dense, and it’s easy for critical rights to be limited or waived. Independent guidance before speaking to adjusters helps ensure that the record is complete and accurate and that evidence is preserved.

A free consultation serves a simple purpose: to help people understand their options without pressure. It’s a chance to ask questions about how investigations work, what records to request, which deadlines apply, and how insurance coverage may interact. No promises, no guarantees—just clear information so families can make informed decisions in their own time.