By Crash News Writer 
Salem, IL (January 10, 2026) – A serious three-vehicle crash left eight people injured early Friday evening in Salem.
According to the Illinois State Police, the accident occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. on January 9 along East Main Street near Lackey Street, just east of the Union Pacific Railroad underpass. Authorities say the collision began when a westbound car reportedly crossed the centerline, sideswiping an oncoming pickup truck before continuing fully into the eastbound lane and crashing head-on with an SUV.
While the two people in the pickup truck were unharmed, all four occupants in the car and the four in the SUV sustained injuries. Emergency crews had to cut the roof off the car to extricate one or two victims. Three of the injured individuals were airlifted to regional hospitals using Air Evac Helicopters that staged at locations including the Salem Township Hospital, Leckrone Airport, and Church of Christ.
East Main Street remained closed for more than two hours during rescue and cleanup.
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After a serious incident like this, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Victims of a car accident near Salem may face overwhelming medical costs, missed work, and emotional distress. Filing a claim with help from an experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected and compensation is pursued for all related damages.
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For more information on how the law applies in your case, visit our page on car accident laws in Illinois .
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this post is based on statements released by Salem Police and Fire and other responding agencies. For more insights, see our frequently asked questions in Illinois .
- Names of those injured have not yet been released pending family notification.
- Toxicology results and any possible citations or charges will be announced after a full investigation.
- Check with local departments or traffic services for detours and road updates related to the scene.
To assist victims and families, we offer accident resources in Illinois , including what steps to take immediately following an accident.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or medical advice. For full details, please view our disclaimer.
If you’ve been affected by a crash like this, call an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to explore your options.