From the Harvard Fire Protection District:
Route 14 Head-On Collision Results in Multiple Injuries
On November 2, 2025, at 4:04 p.m., the Harvard Fire Protection District was dispatched to the intersection of Route 14 and Lembcke Road in unincorporated Harvard for a reported head-on crash involving two vehicles.
While en route, the call was upgraded to include reports of entrapment and multiple patients, including a child who had reportedly been ejected from a car seat while inside a vehicle.
Firefighters arrived and located the crash approximately one-quarter mile south of Lembcke Road on Route 14.
Crews found two heavily damaged vehicles that had collided head-on, with debris scattered across both lanes of travel.
A total of five patients were involved, including four occupants of an SUV and an adult male driver in a sedan.
Firefighters worked to free the driver of the sedan, who was trapped in his vehicle.
Once extricated, he was transported by ambulance in serious condition. T
wo adults in the SUV sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Two children in the SUV were also injured; one was airlifted from the scene in serious condition to a Level I trauma center, and the second was transported by ambulance with minor injuries.
A medical helicopter, LifeNet McHenry, landed directly on Route 14 to assist with patient transport.
The roadway remained closed in both directions for nearly 90 minutes while emergency crews operated in a safe and controlled environment.
Crews from Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District, Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, and Richmond Fire Protection District responded to the scene with additional ambulances.
A Mercyhealth MD-1 emergency physician also assisted with patient care.
The Harvard Fire Protection District appreciates the assistance of all supporting agencies and dispatchers who responded and helped ensure patient care and scene safety.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Any additional questions regarding the investigation, including the cause, fault, seat belt use, and speeds, should be directed to their office.
Photos are courtesy of the Harvard Fire Protection District.
