From the Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts:
Five Injured in Route 23 Crash
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 10:19 a.m., the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts were dispatched to the intersection of N. Route 23 and River Road in unincorporated Marengo for a reported vehicle crash.
Crews arrived a short time later and located a two-vehicle crash with heavy damage.
One vehicle was positioned in the roadway, while the second vehicle had left the roadway and came to rest in a ditch, where it was entangled in a utility pole wire.
It appeared that all patients had removed themselves from their damaged vehicles prior to the arrival of emergency crews.
Following an initial assessment of the involved patients, the incident was upgraded to a working EMS response and was later upgraded through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System to request additional ambulances.
In total, five adult patients were evaluated and transported to local hospitals with minor injuries.
Route 23 was closed in both directions for approximately one hour while emergency personnel treated patients, mitigated hazards, and coordinated vehicle removal from the scene.
The crash is under investigation by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. Any additional questions regarding the investigation, including cause, contributing factors, or fault, should be directed to their office.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts would like to thank Boone County Fire Protection District #2, Genoa Kingston Fire Protection District, Harvard Fire Protection District, Huntley Fire Protection District, and Union Fire Protection District, along with our dispatchers, for providing additional medical crews, ambulances, coordination, and change of quarters companies during this incident.
Photos are courtesy of the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts.
