Four people, including a 5-year-old child, died in a head-on crash Thursday night 2 miles east and south of Reddick in western Kankakee County.

All four were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release from the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office.

Kankakee County Coroner Bob Gessner said he will not release the names of the victims prior to notification of family.

All four victims are not from Kankakee County, Gessner said. Autopsies were scheduled for Friday.

The crash occurred about 10:20 p.m. on South 18000 West Road near West 2000 South Road.

Witnesses reported that a 2021 Honda Accord traveling north on 18000 West Road had been traveling recklessly before the collision, crossing the center line at a high rate of speed and passing other motorists moments before impact, the sheriff’s office said.

The Honda subsequently struck a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox head-on as the Equinox was traveling south, according to the release.

The sheriff’s office said when deputies arrived at the scene, one of the vehicles was fully engulfed in flames.

One of the occupants was ejected from the vehicle, while the other was unable to get out, Gessner said.

The occupants of the other car had to be extricated, Gessner said.

The sheriff’s office said the Illinois State Police Traffic Reconstruction Unit was requested to assist with the investigation.

“The loss of life in this tragic crash – particularly the death of a young child – is absolutely heartbreaking,” Sheriff Mike Downey in the release. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.

“We remind all motorists to exercise caution, obey speed limits and drive responsibly to help prevent tragedies like this from occurring.”