Thursday morning brought an unexpected turn of events when a small white Beechcraft aircraft made an emergency landing on the southbound lanes of Interstate 355 near New Lenox. The incident, which occurred due to what is suspected to be mechanical trouble, led to part of I-355 being temporarily shut down as authorities responded to the scene.
According to reports from ab7chicago.com, the plane carried four individuals, including the pilot and three young women, all hailing from Wilmington, Illinois. The trio of passengers consists of two adults and one teenager, aged 15, 20, and 21 respectively. Following the landing, all four occupants sustained minor injuries, with three of them experiencing back pain. They are currently receiving treatment and undergoing further medical evaluations at Silver Cross Hospital.
The situation became a focal point for both local residents and those following updates online. Social media played a significant role in disseminating information quickly. A tweet from ISP District 15 featured an image captured by Larry Shapiro, clearly showing the small aircraft resting awkwardly on the highway. The caption beneath the image read, "Small plane lands on I355 SB near Route 6 in New Lenox, IL 5/13/21," providing essential context for anyone trying to piece together what had transpired.
As the story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable life can be—and how swiftly situations can escalate without warning. For now, investigators continue their inquiry into the cause of the mechanical failure that prompted this unusual event. Meanwhile, the community remains hopeful that those involved will recover fully from their ordeal.
In the meantime, traffic disruptions caused by the closure have since been resolved, allowing motorists to resume their journeys. However, this incident will likely remain etched in the memories of many who witnessed it unfold or heard about it through various channels. It’s another example of how aviation emergencies can impact not just the immediate parties involved but also the broader public, sparking conversations around safety measures and preparedness.