In the tranquil setting of unincorporated Harvard, Illinois, a severe head-on collision disrupted the peace on Sunday afternoon, leaving five individuals injured, including two children. This tragic incident unfolded in the north suburbs, drawing a swift response from local emergency services.

According to the Harvard Fire Protection District, the distress call was received shortly after 4 p.m., summoning first responders to the intersection of Route 14 and Lembcke Road. Upon arrival, they were confronted with a chaotic scene: an SUV and a sedan, both severely damaged, with debris strewn across the road.

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The aftermath of the crash was particularly harrowing for the two young passengers in the SUV. One child, in serious condition, was urgently airlifted to a Level I trauma center, while the other, who sustained minor injuries, was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Alarmingly, one of these children had been ejected from their car seat during the collision, highlighting the violent nature of the impact.

Efforts to rescue those trapped were intense, as firefighters worked diligently to extricate the driver of the sedan. Once freed, he was rushed to a local hospital, also in serious condition. The swift and coordinated response of emergency services underscores the gravity of the situation that unfolded on this quiet suburban road.

One of the injured children was reportedly ejected from their car seat.

Firefighters also worked to free sedan’s driver, who was trapped in his vehicle, officials said. An ambulance transported him to a local hospital in serious condition.

Officials said two other adults, who were in the SUV, suffered moderate injuries and were also taken to a local hospital.

The roadway was closed for nearly 90 minutes in both directions.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.