A devastating single-vehicle crash on Interstate 74 early Sunday morning claimed the lives of an Ohio woman and her teenage daughter, leaving a family shattered during the holiday season.
The victims, identified as 41-year-old Leila Mohamed and her 15-year-old daughter, Zilan Sino, both of Columbus, Ohio, were pronounced dead at the scene near mile marker 71, close to the Bell School Road exit. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 4:22 a.m., according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood.
The family was traveling westbound on I-74 in a 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE minivan when the vehicle veered off the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation. The minivan crossed into the center median and entered the eastbound lanes before crashing into a tree in a grassy area. The vehicle caught fire after the collision.
Of the five passengers in the minivan, three managed to escape before the fire engulfed the vehicle. Unfortunately, Mohamed and Sino were unable to exit and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The three surviving passengers were transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria with serious injuries. While their conditions are stable, the emotional toll of the tragedy is immeasurable.
The family was reportedly en route to Iowa to celebrate the holidays with relatives. The heartbreaking accident has left loved ones mourning the loss of Mohamed and Sino, whose lives were tragically cut short.
Autopsies for Mohamed and Sino are scheduled for Monday, as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash. Illinois State Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety during holiday travel. The loss of Leila Mohamed and Zilan Sino has left a community grieving during what should have been a time of celebration. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, seeking answers to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.