A 38-year-old woman lost her life early Thursday morning following a car crash on Chicago’s East Side. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. in the 3400 block of East 95th Street, when a gray GMC SUV struck a pole, according to local authorities. The woman was a passenger in the vehicle.
Tragically, the driver left the scene after the collision, leaving the injured woman behind. Emergency responders transported her to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
Police have not released further details about the driver, and the Major Accident Investigation Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This marks the first reported fatal crash of 2026 in Chicago, casting a shadow over New Year’s Day celebrations. Accidents like this underscore the ongoing concerns about reckless driving and hit-and-run incidents across the city.
As the investigation continues, communities are reminded to focus on road safety and report any suspicious activity or dangerous driving to authorities.