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Tollway Tragedy: Worker Fatally Struck by DUI Driver
4 Jun
Summary
- A tollway worker died after being struck by a vehicle on I-294.
- The driver, Paul R. Ong, faces DUI charges involving death.
- The incident occurred early Saturday morning while workers fixed potholes.
A tragic accident on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Des Plaines resulted in the death of a tollway maintenance worker. The incident occurred just before 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1st, when a driver struck three workers who were repairing potholes.
One of the workers, 52-year-old Calvin L. Holley of Chicago, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The other two workers were also hospitalized. Authorities identified the driver as 37-year-old Paul R. Ong of Berwyn.
Ong has been charged with Aggravated Driving Under the Influence Involving Death. He is currently in custody awaiting his first court appearance. This incident has prompted renewed calls for drivers to adhere to the Move Over Law.
Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse both issued statements expressing their condolences and emphasizing the importance of road safety. Rouse highlighted the dedication of roadway maintenance workers and urged drivers to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching vehicles with flashing lights.
