Bartlett crash today: 2 South Elgin High School students killed, 3 others hurt in Bartlett car crash near Route 25 and Kenyon Road

Aug 12, 2023

BARTLETT, Ill. (WLS) -- A devastating scene unfolded before another day of class at South Elgin High School Thursday.

Four teenage students were in a Honda civic when they collided with a Mack semi-truck near Route 25 and Kenyon Road. Two female passengers died while the driver and another passenger, both female, have been recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.

That crash happened just 0.4 miles away from south Elgin High School.

The principal said it's a tragedy that has shaken the community just two weeks into the school year.

"The incident happened in the intersection, however it was pushed off into the southwest corner into the cornfield," said South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District Fire Chief William J. Luchsinger.

The driver of the semi-truck also suffered non-life-threatening.

The intersection shut down for hours Thursday as crews tried to clear the semi with the mangled civic on the side of the road. The fire chief said three of the teens inside there were unconscious when they arrived.

"Crews had to remove the roof from the car to gain access," Luchsinger said.

South Elgin High School immediately offered crisis resources on hand by filling classrooms with counselors and social workers for those who need help.

"I think you just take it one step at a time right," said South Elgin High School Principal Kurt Johansen. "We're just trying to get through the moment right now."

School District U-46 released a statement saying, "It is with a heavy heart that we write about a loss in our South Elgin High School family. Losing a member of our school community is a tragedy, sad, and may be difficult to understand. Four South Elgin High School students were involved in a car accident this morning. According to our law enforcement, two of the students lost their lives, and one of the other students is in critical condition and is being treated at an area hospital, and the fourth student received non-life-threatening injuries. At this time, we cannot share the student's names out of respect to the families and to allow for next of kin notifications. We have school social workers and counselors available for emotional support for students, staff and families. Our thoughts, prayers, and most sincere condolences are with the families and loved ones of the students during this incredibly difficult time."

The school said all families are still being notified, so they are not releasing any information about the four students involved.

Bartlett police now investigating all the details from the accident and what led up to it.