10:45 PM UPDATE: Route 53 has been reopened in both directions. See below for a statement from the Romeoville Police Department.
On January 23rd, 2026 at 2:56 P.M., the Romeoville Police Department was dispatched to a 2-vehicle crash on IL Route 53 just north of Airport Rd. The initial investigation revealed a silver Acura and a silver Chevrolet made contact while traveling on southbound IL Route 53. The contact caused the silver Acura to travel across northbound IL Route 53 and strike a tree off the roadway. The driver of the Acura was transported to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital and was later released. The passenger of the silver Acura, Donna J. West, succumbed to her injuries on scene. The accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Romeoville Police Department Traffic Division.
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8:32 PM UPDATE: Crews are still working and the road remains closed.
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6:11 PM UPDATE: Route 53 remains closed in both directions as crews continue their work.
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Route 53 is closed in both directions between Taylor Road and Airport Road due to an accident. Please avoid the area.