Driver dies in fiery crash near Galena

GALENA, Ill. (WTVO) — One person was killed Tuesday morning after a vehicle crashed and caught fire on West Stagecoach Trail, about one mile east of Galena, according to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the fatal accident occurred around 9:26 a.m. near Burton’s Bridge.

Deputies responding to a 911 call found a Chevrolet Avalanche engulfed in flames in the roadway. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered a single occupant inside the vehicle.

Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle was traveling westbound and failed to navigate a curve, drifting off the right shoulder into a ditch without signs of braking.

The Avalanche reportedly struck a tree at high speed, went airborne, and landed in the ditch before being thrown back onto the roadway, where it came to rest facing the opposite direction and ignited.

The crash was not witnessed, but initial callers reported the vehicle was already fully engulfed when they arrived.

The identity of the driver is being withheld pending formal identification and notification of family. The investigation remains ongoing.