Car Torn Apart in Crash in Chicago's Ashburn Neighborhood, 2 Critically Injured

The single-vehicle collision occurred early Sunday morning on Columbus Avenue.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:22pm

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Two people were critically injured when a car crashed into a tree in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood, ripping the vehicle apart. The driver and passenger were both rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Why it matters

Serious single-vehicle crashes like this one are concerning for public safety in the Ashburn area, which has seen an increase in traffic incidents in recent years. The investigation will look into potential factors like speeding, impairment, or mechanical failure that may have contributed to the crash.

The details

According to police, a man was driving a blue sedan northeast on Columbus Avenue near Central Park Avenue with another man in the passenger seat when the driver lost control and hit a tree. The impact tore the car apart, leaving both occupants in critical condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

  • The crash occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Columbus Avenue

A major northeast-southwest thoroughfare on Chicago's Southwest Side, also known as Southwest Highway in the suburbs.

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What’s next

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the crash to determine the exact cause.

The takeaway

This serious single-vehicle collision highlights the need for continued traffic safety improvements and awareness in the Ashburn neighborhood to prevent future tragedies.