Tejaswi Patha Killed in Peotone Tractor-Trailer Crash, Peotone, IL – October 17, 2025

On October 17, 2025, Tejaswi Patha, a 35-year-old resident of Aurora, Illinois, was fatally injured in a collision involving a van and a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Illinois 50 and County Line Road in Peotone. The crash occurred around 7:35 p.m., trapping seven occupants within the van. Emergency personnel worked to extricate those inside, but Patha was pronounced dead at 9:50 p.m. Six other individuals were transported to area hospitals, with two initially listed in critical condition; one of the critically injured later died.

The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. This incident underscores the inherent dangers posed by commercial vehicle operations and the complex dynamics involved in tractor-trailer collisions. Authorities emphasize the necessity of thorough investigations to determine liability and ensure public safety.