Crash near Marengo causes critical injuries

A Rockford resident was hospitalized with critical injuries after a crash Saturday morning near Marengo.

Responders from the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts were called to the intersection of Route 176 and Millstream Road about 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Paramedics found a single-vehicle crash just west of the intersection with Route 176, department spokesperson Alex Vucha said.

The vehicle was heavily damaged after colliding with a tree. Initial reports indicated the male driver was ejected, but it was later determined he was not, Vucha said.

Emergency crews requested a medical helicopter, but because of an extended estimated arrival time, the man was taken by Marengo ambulance to Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside with critical injuries.

MD-1, Mercyhealth’s emergency response team, was requested and intercepted the ambulance on the way to the hospital and provided additional medical care, Vucha said.

Route 176 was closed in both directions for about 3½ hours before reopening.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver as a 32-year-old Rockford man in a Monday news release. The sheriff’s office said a preliminary investigation indicated a 2019 Ford Mustang was traveling west on Route 176 when it veered into the eastbound lane and exited the road to the south, hitting several trees.

The sheriff’s office said the man is listed in critical condition; the airbags deployed and the driver was wearing a seat belt.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Major Traffic Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the crash.