Hubei Chenglongwei Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd. , https://www.clw-automobile.com
Yesterday morning, there was a serious collision involving two tractor-trailers on the northbound lanes of Route 41, just north of Route 176. The accident happened almost directly in front of the Knollwood Fire Station, where one truck rear-ended the other. It seems that the second driver didn't notice the first truck slowing down, leading to this unfortunate incident. Thankfully, the driver of the first truck was unharmed, but the second driver ended up trapped inside his vehicle for nearly an hour.
Firefighters from multiple departments, including Knollwood, Lake Bluff, North Chicago, and Great Lakes, quickly arrived on the scene to help free the trapped driver. Tim Olk, who happened to be nearby, captured several photos of the rescue efforts, providing a detailed look at the intense situation.
The firefighters worked diligently, using various techniques to reach the trapped man. In one image, you can see a firefighter carefully cutting through the back wall of the truck’s cab with a saw. Another photo shows firefighters working both from the front and the side of the truck to create enough space to access the driver. As soon as the first truck was moved out of the way, it gave the firefighters much-needed room to maneuver and continue their efforts.
Finally, after a challenging extraction process, the trapped driver was safely removed and transported to Condell Hospital by paramedics from Lake Forest. A chain was even attached to the engine block to help pull the dashboard away from the driver, demonstrating the innovative methods used by the firefighters.
Lake Bluff Squad 520, known as "the Guardian," supplied many of the specialized tools required for the operation. Their support proved invaluable during this difficult rescue.
For those interested in seeing more images from the scene, a large gallery is available HERE. This event highlights the bravery and dedication of emergency responders who work tirelessly to ensure our safety every day.