Des Plaines, IL (May 30, 2026) – A maintenance worker died on Saturday morning, May 30, after a driver struck three tollway crew members on southbound Interstate 294 near Devon Avenue in Des Plaines. The crash happened just before 4:30 a.m. while the workers were filling potholes on the roadway.
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All three workers were taken to local hospitals for treatment. One of them, later identified as 52-year-old Calvin L. Holley of Chicago, did not survive.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Holley’s identity following the collision. Authorities did not release information about the driver involved in the crash.
All lanes of Interstate 294 were temporarily shut down near Golf Road before reopening later that morning. Illinois State Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
We extend our deepest condolences to Calvin Holley’s family and to all those who knew him.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Work Zone Crash in Des Plaines, IL?
After a work zone crash in Des Plaines, liability may fall on the driver who struck the workers. Other parties may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Illinois law imposes stricter penalties for crashes in active work zones.
Interstate 294 carries heavy overnight freight and commuter traffic through the Des Plaines area. Roads like Touhy Avenue, Devon Avenue, and Northwest Highway regularly feed into this corridor. Early morning maintenance crews often work close to fast-moving traffic.
Nighttime and pre-dawn work zone crashes often leave drivers with less reaction time. Lane closures and warning signs may reduce risks, but they do not prevent every collision. Tollway workers remain exposed to serious danger while performing roadway repairs.
Drivers approaching work zones must reduce speed and stay alert around crews and equipment. Even a brief moment of distraction can lead to a deadly collision on a busy tollway. Illinois work zone laws exist to protect workers performing repairs near active traffic lanes.
When a worker dies on the job, the family may have more than one legal option available. A wrongful death claim may proceed separately from a workers’ compensation claim. Each process can cover different financial losses tied to the crash.
Compensation may include medical bills, lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. Before agreeing to an insurance settlement, your family should speak with a wrongful death lawyer. An attorney can help review available claims and protect important deadlines.
Our team at Ankin Law helps families across Illinois after fatal crashes and serious work zone accidents. We can investigate the collision, gather evidence, and explain what legal options may apply to your claim.
To get started, you can contact Ankin Law at (844) 600-0000 to discuss your case.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
