Two-Vehicle Crash at Park Avenue and Route 41 Under Investigation

Authorities have released details regarding a fatal multi-vehicle crash in the north suburbs of Highland Park that claimed the lives of a woman and a young child following a collision at a busy intersection.

According to officials, the crash occurred around 3:05 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Park Avenue and U.S. Route 41. Investigators say a 2026 Hyundai Sonata was traveling northbound on Route 41 when it collided with a 2006 Toyota Sienna that was turning southbound onto Route 41 from westbound Park Avenue.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as 73-year-old Joan Scaccia, became trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by first responders. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the crash.

Authorities also confirmed that a 21-month-old child, Andre Paz of Round Lake, who was seated in a car seat in the rear passenger area of the Hyundai, suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision. Despite emergency medical treatment, the child later died at the hospital.

A third individual involved in the crash was also injured and received medical attention, though further details about their condition have not been released.

Preliminary findings from the Lake County Coroner’s Office indicated that both fatal victims died from blunt force injuries consistent with the impact of the crash. Officials noted that the intersection was closed for approximately five hours while emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators reconstructed the collision.

The incident remains under active investigation by local police and the Major Crash Assistance Team, who are examining factors such as vehicle movement, right-of-way, and traffic signal timing to determine how the crash occurred.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution at busy intersections and to remain alert to turning vehicles as the investigation continues.