Gurnee, IL (October 28, 2025) – A hit-and-run crash involving a car and a school bus left both drivers hospitalized Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Route 41 and Grand Avenue in Gurnee. According to the Gurnee Police Department (GPD), the incident took place around 4:22 p.m., when emergency crews from both the GPD and the Gurnee Fire Department responded to reports of a vehicle collision with injuries.
Initial investigation indicates a silver Toyota Prius was traveling southbound on Route 41 via the Grand Avenue exit ramp and apparently ran a red light. Witnesses say the Prius then struck the side of a school bus that was traveling eastbound on Grand Avenue and turning northbound onto Route 41 under a green turn arrow.
At the moment of impact, the bus was occupied only by its driver; no children were on board. GPD Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor stated that the bus driver was taken to a nearby hospital, where the condition is currently unknown, though the GPD reported the driver is expected to make a full recovery. The driver of the Prius also sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital via ambulance for treatment.
GPD’s preliminary findings reveal that moments before the crash, the same Prius had been involved in a separate collision at Route 41 and Delany Road, where it rear-ended another vehicle before continuing southbound toward Grand Avenue. The hit-and-run nature of the incident is tied to the Prius’ initial collision and subsequent travel into the bus crash.
No citations or arrests have been announced at this time. The GPD continues to investigate, gathering witness statements, reviewing potential video evidence, and assessing whether factors such as speed, driver impairment, or mechanical failure may have played a role. The full cause of the collision has not yet been determined.
We hope that the bus driver and the car driver recover from their injuries swiftly.
School Bus Collisions in Illinois
Collisions involving school buses, even when children are not on board, raise serious safety concerns. While school buses are built for crash safety, they are not immune to the hazards posed by other vehicles that ignore traffic signals or act recklessly. In Illinois and other states, a large share of school-bus-related collisions involve another vehicle violating a signal, failing to yield, or engaging in reckless behavior.
In this particular incident, the bus driver adhered to proper signal procedures, yet the crash occurred due to the other vehicle’s apparent disregard for the red light and traffic flow. Such scenarios emphasize how vulnerable even professional bus drivers can be when other drivers act dangerously.
For injured drivers in these situations, legal avenues may be available. If a driver or their employer (in the case of a driver being on duty) suffers injury due to the negligent actions of another driver, they may be able to seek compensation. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Experienced Bus Accident Attorneys can assist in collecting evidence like traffic signal data, witness statements, vehicle damage reports, and possible video footage from traffic cameras.
If you have been injured in a crash involving a bus or commercial vehicle in the Gurnee area, it’s important to speak with a dedicated professional to understand your legal rights and options. You can get in touch with us at the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. to discuss your situation and ensure your rights are protected.
Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. so our team can promptly review and update the content to maintain accuracy and reliability.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney–client relationship and is not intended as a solicitation for legal services. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.
