Three Chicago police officers are recovering today after their squad cars collided late Saturday night.
The crash occurred just before midnight in the city’s Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side.
Responding officers were traveling near the intersection of West Cermak Road and South Pulaski Road.
Police confirmed both vehicles were responding to an emergency call at the time of the impact.
The two squad cars collided directly within the intersection.
Emergency crews arrived quickly to treat the officers involved in the wreck.
All three officers were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation.
Department officials stated the injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The officers were listed in good condition following the late-night incident.
Investigators have not yet determined exactly what caused the two emergency vehicles to strike each other.
Traffic was restricted in the Lawndale area for several hours while crews cleared the wreckage.
No civilian vehicles were involved in the Saturday night collision.
The Chicago Police Department has not released the names of the officers involved.
Authorities are continuing to look into the specific circumstances of the crash.
Recent History
The intersection of Cermak and Pulaski is one of the busiest transit points in the Lawndale community.
Lawndale has seen a high volume of emergency responses over the last several months.
Police frequently navigate these crowded West Side streets at high speeds when responding to priority calls.
This incident follows a string of recent accidents involving emergency vehicles in Chicago.
Last year, several officers were injured in similar collisions while responding to “shots fired” calls on the West Side.
Residents in Lawndale have previously expressed concerns about intersection safety and visibility in the area.
The Department often reviews dashcam footage after fleet collisions to improve safety protocols.
This crash serves as a reminder of the daily risks officers face while patrolling the 10th District.
