Mendota Crash Sparks Search For Missing Driver After Rollover
MENDOTA, Ill. — Emergency crews spent hours searching for a missing driver following a two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning near the intersection of Route 251 and 46th Road. The collision left three people injured and sent authorities on a ground and aerial search.
Crash Leaves Three Injured
The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, when two vehicles collided, causing one car to overturn. Three occupants of the overturned vehicle were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. According to officials, the patients were classified as “green” or low priority cases, and they were likely treated and released shortly after.
The driver of the second vehicle, however, was nowhere to be found when first responders arrived.
Extensive Search For Missing Driver
Responding agencies launched a wide search effort that lasted until about 4 a.m.. Crews used a thermal drone to scan the surrounding area, while a K-9 unit from the Princeton Police Department joined in the search. Despite these efforts, the missing driver was not located.
Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser confirmed multiple area fire departments assisted, including teams from Sublette, Paw Paw, Compton, La Salle, and Troy Grove. The cause of the crash and the identity of the missing driver remain under investigation.
Community Concern And Ongoing Investigation
The unusual nature of the crash has raised concern in the Mendota community. While the three victims are expected to recover, questions remain about the missing driver’s condition and why they fled the scene. Authorities have not yet released further details about the vehicle or possible circumstances leading up to the collision.
As investigators work to piece together what happened, officials continue to encourage drivers to exercise caution, particularly on rural highways late at night.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks on Illinois roadways and the importance of accountability after accidents. For more updates on local safety and community news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.