Distracted Driving Likely Caused Crash That Killed 1 Teen, Injured 5 More: Police

HAMPSHIRE, IL - A 17-year-old Pingree Grove girl was killed Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash that also injured five teens, including girls from Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley. Authorities were called to the crash on Dietrich Road between Route 20 and Brier Hills Road in unincorporated Hampshire Township at about 8:20 p.m., according to a news release from the Kane Co. Sheriff's Office. Authorities believe distracted driving may have played a part in the crash that happened when a 2005 Toyota Corolla was heading east on Dietrich Road over a hill when the vehicle crossed the centerline.

The Toyota hit a westbound 2005 Ford SUV. Both vehicles rolled over with the Ford coming to rest on the north side of Dietrich Road and the Toyota coming to rest on the south side of Dietrich Road.

The driver of the Toyota, Briana Soto, 17, of Pingree Grove, was taken to Centegra Medical Center in Huntley where she was pronounced dead. A passenger in her vehicle, a 17-year-old Pingree Grove girl, was to Sherman Hospital in Elgin for treatment of injuries that are not considered life-threatening, police said.

Four teens in the Ford – a 15-year-old Huntley girl, 16-year-old Hampshire girl, 16-year-old Algonquin girl and the driver, a 16-year-old Lake in the Hills girl – were also taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin for treatment of injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to authorities.

Kane County Sheriff’s Detectives and members of the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team are investigating the crash, according to a news release. No tickets have been issued as the crash remains under investigation, but deputies do believe that distracted driving may have played a role in this crash.

All the subjects in the crash were wearing their seatbelts at the time of crash.