JOLIET — A 57-year-old Plainfield man was killed and two women critically injured Saturday evening in a head-on crash on Joliet’s west side, authorities confirmed.
The fatal incident took place just before 7 p.m. at Black Road and Magnolia Drive, involving three vehicles and resulting in full road closure as police launched a traffic reconstruction investigation.
Victim Identified as Plainfield Resident
According to the Will County Coroner’s Office, the man killed in the crash has been identified as David Lee Nelson, 57, of Plainfield. He was driving a Buick Regal westbound on Black Road when his car crossed into the eastbound lane, colliding head-on with a Buick Encore driven by a 68-year-old Joliet woman.
The impact forced Nelson’s vehicle to spin and strike a third vehicle — a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 26-year-old man from Joliet. He was not injured, police said.
Two Women Remain Hospitalized in Critical Condition
Both the driver of the Buick Encore and her 69-year-old female passenger from Lake Station, Indiana, suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash. They were taken to Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where they remain in critical condition, officials reported.
Nelson was also transported to the same hospital and pronounced dead at 7:32 p.m., shortly after arriving.
Crash Under Investigation by Joliet Police
The Joliet Police Department’s Traffic Unit is handling the ongoing investigation. Officers closed down the intersection for several hours Saturday night as crash reconstruction specialists documented the scene.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused Nelson to veer out of his lane. No citations have been issued, and police are asking the public for help. Anyone with dashcam or surveillance video from the area is urged to contact the Joliet Police Traffic Unit at 815-724-3193.
Residents Voice Concern Over Road Safety
Several residents living near Black Road and Magnolia Drive told reporters that the area is often used as a high-speed shortcut, and have raised concerns about dangerous driving behavior.
“People fly down this road like it’s a highway,” one neighbor said. “There’s barely any enforcement. This isn’t the first serious crash here.”
The intersection, while residential, lacks major stop controls or speed bumps — something neighbors say needs to change.
Police Emphasize Caution and Community Awareness
While investigators continue to gather details, authorities are urging all drivers to be extra cautious on suburban roads.
“Even familiar streets require your full attention,” a Joliet police spokesperson said. “Crashes like this don’t just affect those involved — they ripple through entire communities.”
Have You Seen Dangerous Driving in Your Suburb?
We’re gathering feedback from local residents to spotlight unsafe intersections, reckless driving, and traffic concerns across the region. Share your story or suggestions with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice helps drive safer streets.
