Fatal Accident on Interstate 80
Authorities have identified the driver of a semitrailer who lost his life in a fiery incident on Interstate 80 as a 54-year-old man from Michigan.
Identification of the Driver
Illinois State Police Trooper Jayme Bufford released a statement on Wednesday confirming that Jeffrey Bruxvoort, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the driver of the 2018 Peterbilt semitrailer involved in Saturday’s crash.
Investigation Status
When pressed for further details regarding the cause of the accident and the circumstances around why Bruxvoort’s semitrailer went off the road, Bufford chose not to comment further, stating that the investigation is ongoing.
Timing and Location of the Crash
The accident happened around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to Illinois State Police.
Preliminary Findings
Initial investigations suggested that traffic was slowing due to construction work on the eastbound lanes of I-80, just east of Larkin Avenue. Bruxvoort, while approaching the slowed traffic, collided with the rear of a 2019 Toyota Highlander.
Aftermath of the Collision
After the initial impact, Bruxelles’s semitrailer veered off the right side of the road, hitting multiple trees and a power line pole. This caused power lines to fall across Interstate 80, leading to the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes.
Consequences and Casualties
Following the accident, Bruxvoort’s semitrailer caught fire. A westbound Ford that was passing through the same spot was struck by the falling power lines. ComEd reported about 1,000 customers lost power, but service was fully restored by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Bruxvoort was pronounced dead at the scene, while no injuries were reported for the occupants of the Toyota Highlander or Ford. The lanes were reopened around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday after the investigation concluded.
