Rural Gridley wreck claims three lives

An accident late Thursday morning in rural Gridley claimed the lives of three Streator residents.

Livingston County Coroner Michael E. Renner reports the driver of the vehicle involved was Darwin E. Jimenez Chirino, 22, while the rear seat passenger was Karen J. Lopez Surrudo, 21, and an infant child was also a rear seat passenger.

Police and fire units were sent to 700 East Road, a quarter mile north of 1100 North Road for the single-vehicle accident. Authorities say the Ford Fusion sedan with Illinois plates struck a concrete bridge railing on the west side of the road. No one was ejected from the vehicle.

“The vehicle had been traveling northbound on 700 East Road at the time of the crash,” stated Renner in a news release. “The vehicle hit the object head on causing extensive damage to the front end and driver side of the vehicle.”

An autopsy is being performed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating and an Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit was called to the scene and will work with the sheriff’s office on the case.

Those on scene assisting with the accident and removal included the Livingston County Coroner’s office, Chenoa Fire/Rescue, Pontiac Fire, SELCAS ambulance and Chenoa Police.

No other details were being released as of Friday midday, according to the coroner.