Car crashes into house under construction in Marengo

A car’s built-in Apple Crash Detection system alerted the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and Marengo Police Department to that car crashing into a garage Tuesday, officials said.

First responders were called about 3:20 p.m. to the 900 block of Partridge Circle in Marengo following an alert from the system, department spokesman Alex Vucha said.

Crews found a vehicle that collided with the one-story duplex’s garage, causing moderate structural damage to the home, which is unoccupied and under construction. The damage was primarily to the garage, Vucha said.

Two teenage girls who were in the car had exited the vehicle before crews arrived on the scene. One was evaluated by paramedics for a minor hand injury and both were released on the scene without needing additional medical attention, Vucha said.

The Marengo City Building Department was notified about the structural damage to the property.

A teenage driver was cited for the crash, Marengo police Sgt. Andrew Kjellgren said.

“This incident serves as an important reminder to slow down and practice safe driving, especially in residential areas where added caution is essential,” Kjellgren said.

The Marengo Police Department is investigating the crash.