5-Year-Old Dies After I-55 Christmas Eve Crash, 3-Year-Old Hurt

CHANNAHON, IL — A 5-year-old Belleville boy died after an SUV was involved in a single-vehicle crash on southbound I-55 on Christmas Eve near Channahon. Malcolm Townsel was pronounced dead at 9:40 a.m. Sunday at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, the Will County coroner's office said. The 5-year-old suffered multiple injuries in the crash, according to the coroner's office.

The SUV was involved in a rollover crash just south of the Route 6 entrance ramp at around 8:47 a.m. Sunday. Illinois State Police said four people — two adults and two children, ages 3 and 5 — were injured in the crash.

Police said the vehicle, a 2005 Dodge Durango, was traveling too fast for conditions when the driver, 42-year-old Jonathan Bridges of Belleville, lost control and the SUV went into a ditch on the right side of the road, struck a guardrail and pole and overturned.

One child had to be extricated from the vehicle, and extrication took about 35 minutes, according to fire officials. Both children were taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in critical condition.

The driver and a 42-year-old female passenger, identified as Evett Hamilton of Cicero, were taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center and Morris Hospital following the crash, fire officials said.

Fire agencies including Minooka, Troy, Elwood, Braidwood, and Wilmington provided assistance at the scene. Fire agencies from Plainfield and Troy Fire protection dstricts provided area coverage throughout the incident.

Fire officials said crews remained on the scene of the crash until 9:39 a.m. Sunday.

State police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation. The driver was cited for driving too fast for conditions and a child restraint violation.

Photos via Channahon Fire Protection District