CHICAGO, Ill. — A tragic wrong-way crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway Friday evening claimed the life of Vee Swanigan and left two other people critically injured in what Illinois State Police believe may have been an intentional act connected to domestic violence.
According to investigators, the crash occurred shortly after 5:45 p.m. on the northbound express lanes of Interstate 94 near Garfield Boulevard. Authorities said the suspect entered the northbound lanes while traveling southbound near 31st Street, driving directly into oncoming traffic for several miles before colliding with multiple vehicles. The impact triggered a devastating chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles.
Police believe Vee Swanigan was a passenger in the suspect’s vehicle. During the frightening moments leading up to the collision, investigators say she was speaking with another person on the phone and reportedly stated that the driver intended to kill her while continuing to drive the wrong way on the expressway. Those statements have become a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Vee Swanigan was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. Authorities have not released updates on their conditions.
The suspected wrong-way driver survived the collision and was taken into custody. Illinois State Police said detectives now believe the crash may have been intentional and related to an ongoing domestic violence incident. Criminal charges are pending as investigators continue collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The severity of the crash forced the closure of the northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway for several hours while investigators processed the scene and crews removed damaged vehicles. Traffic was diverted, causing significant delays across Chicago’s South Side.
The investigation remains active, and Illinois State Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact investigators as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
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