Waukegan Man Killed in Interstate 65 Crash

Another person airlifted to Chicago hospital after three-vehicle collision in Merrillville

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A 60-year-old Waukegan, Illinois man was killed and another person was seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 in Merrillville, Indiana on Saturday evening. The crash involved a retired school bus that had been converted into a recreational vehicle, an SUV, and a pickup truck.

Why it matters

Interstate 65 is a major highway connecting Chicago to Indianapolis and beyond, and this crash highlights the dangers of impaired and reckless driving on the roads. The incident also raises questions about the safety and regulation of converted recreational vehicles on the highway system.

The details

According to Indiana State Police, around 5:15 pm on Saturday, the retired school bus struck the 73rd Avenue overpass on I-65, leading to the multi-vehicle collision. The driver of the bus, 60-year-old William Binkley, was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple blunt force injuries. One of Binkley's passengers was airlifted to the University of Chicago Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was not severely injured, but the driver of the pickup truck showed signs of alcohol impairment and was taken into custody after becoming combative with troopers.

  • The crash occurred around 5:15 pm on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Binkley was pronounced dead at the scene.

The players

William Binkley

A 60-year-old man from Waukegan, Illinois who was killed in the crash while driving a retired school bus that had been converted into a recreational vehicle.

Indiana State Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to and is investigating the crash on Interstate 65.

University of Chicago Hospital

The hospital where one of the passengers from Binkley's vehicle was airlifted with life-threatening injuries.

Lake County Coroner's Office

The office that pronounced Binkley dead at the scene due to multiple blunt force injuries.

Pickup truck driver

The driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash who showed signs of alcohol impairment, became combative with troopers, and was taken into custody.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage of the events leading up to the crash is asked to contact Trooper Hathaway at 219-696-6242.”

— Indiana State Police

What’s next

Toxicology results for the pickup truck driver are pending, and charges are expected to be filed once the investigation is complete.

The takeaway

This tragic crash on Interstate 65 highlights the need for greater safety regulations and oversight of converted recreational vehicles on major highways, as well as the ongoing issue of impaired driving and its deadly consequences.