Man Killed When Pickup Hits Semi On I-55
Updated 06/11/13 - 2:20 p.m.
CHANNAHON, Ill. (SMTW) -- A man was killed when the pickup he was driving rear-ended a semi truck early Tuesday on I-55 near southwest suburban Channahon.
Michael W. Gruse, 23, of Osceola, Ind., was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:15 a.m., according to the Will County Coroner's office.
Traffic was stopped through a construction zone about 12:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-55, north of Arsenal Road exit, when a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup rear-ended a 2006 Peterbilt semi, according to Illinois State Police District 5.
The pickup was traveling behind the semi in the right lane when the Peterbilt came to a stop due to heavy traffic in a construction zone. But the pickup did not stop and struck the rear of the semi.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is removing the Arsenal Road overpass and traffic was stopped temporarily for construction, Illinois State Police Sgt. R.A. Caves said.
The driver of the semi and a passenger were not injured, ISP said. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
