Three People Hurt in Four-Car Crash at Route 14 and Pingree

A multi-vehicle crash at Route 14 and Pingree Road in Crystal Lake injured three people Thursday afternoon.

A Crystal Lake Police investigation determined Colleen Manter, 43, of McHenry, was driving a 2004 Chrysler Sebring at 12:15 p.m. July 19, when she collided with the rear of a 2005 Chevrolet Tribute in one of the eastbound lanes along Route 14. 

The Chevrolet, driven by Luen Toy, 67, of Wonder Lake, was stopped in the traffic lane when the collision occured, according to a press release issued by Police Cmmdr. Dan Dziewior.

Upon impact, Toy's car struck the vehicle in front of him, a 2006 Toyota operated by Mary Dyra, 47, of Prairie Grove. Dyra's car in turn hit a 2008 Honda driven by Renee Shopp, 59, of Island Lake, the press release stated.

Mantor was cited at the scene for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. She was released, pending a court appearance, the press release said.

The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and Police Department responded to the accident. Paramedics evaluated all drivers and passengers involved, and transported three passengers from two of the cars for additional medical treatment.

None of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening, police said.

Police instigated manual traffic control while emergency crews tended to the injured and worked to remove the cars and debris from the roadway. Traffic lights at the intersection were set to four-way flashing red to aid in traffic control, the press release stated.

Route 14 was not shut down completely, but traffic flow was reduced to one lane in both directions for almost one hour.

After the damaged vehiles were removed, the traffic control lights failed to re-set, police said, and manual direction of Route 14 traffic was needed for an additional hour.