A violent wreck involving a U.S. mail truck shut down Route 83 in both directions just north of I-290. (WLS)
By Jessica D'Onofrio
Updated 1 hr ago
ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) -- A violent wreck involving a U.S. mail truck shut down Route 83 in both directions just north of I-290 in west suburban Elmhurst Wednesday morning.
The mail truck collided head-on with an SUV traveling in the wrong direction on northbound Route 83 just before 2:30 a.m., fire officials said.
The Elmhurst and Addison fire departments responded to the crash. The Addison fire chief said it took about 40 minutes to cut the driver of the SUV out of his vehicle. He was airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
The driver of the mail truck was transported to Elmhurst Hospital in good condition. No one else was hurt in the crash.
Route 83 will remain closed in both directions until investigators from the DuPage County Sheriff's Department are finished with the scene. The invitation could take several hours.
The closure is expected to cause major delays during the morning commute. Drivers should avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.