LEMONT, Ill. — A devastating three-vehicle collision in the predawn hours of Sunday on Interstate 55 near Lemont claimed the lives of two people and left a third hospitalized, according to the Illinois State Police. The crash prompted the complete closure of all northbound lanes for several hours as emergency crews responded to the scene and authorities launched an investigation.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on northbound I-55 just south of Lemont Road in DuPage County. State police reported that the crash involved three vehicles, though details about the makes and models have not yet been disclosed.

Two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. A third person was transported to a local area hospital with injuries; their condition has not been released.

The extensive crash investigation and cleanup necessitated the shutdown of all northbound lanes of I-55. Traffic was diverted onto I-355, causing significant delays for early morning travelers. The ramps from I-355 to northbound I-55 were also closed.

After nearly six hours, the northbound lanes were reopened to traffic at approximately 9:15 a.m., according to a statement from the Illinois State Police.

The cause of the fatal crash remains under active investigation. Authorities have not yet released any information regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision.

The Illinois State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information to contact them. As of Monday evening, no further details have been made available. This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it is released by officials.