Watch CBS News

Police: Robbery Suspects Caused I-57 Crash That Injured 7

Updated 06/14/12 - 6 p.m.

MARKHAM (CBS) -- Two men suspected in a Far South Side robbery allegedly caused a three-car crash on Interstate 57 on Thursday, after they fled from police onto the interstate.

Illinois State Police said the crash happened around 1:15 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-57 at 159th Street, near Markham.

According to Chicago Police News Affairs, the incident started with a robbery near 117th Street and Western Avenue. The suspects fled the scene and, when police attempted a traffic stop a short time later, the suspects sped away. When the suspects entered I-57, police ended their pursuit, but the suspects apparently continued speeding along I-57, causing a crash with two other vehicles near the 159th Street exit.

All lanes of I-57 were closed in both directions for a few hours as police investigated the crash, but had reopened by early Thursday evening.

Two victims were airlifted to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries, police said. Five others were taken to local hospitals by ambulance, but their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Two robbery suspects were among those injured, and were in custody at a local hospital, but Chicago police said their conditions were unknown as of Thursday evening.

Chicago Police were investigating the robbery, while Illinois State Police were investigating the crash.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.