Des Plaines, Illinois — A tragic collision in Des Plaines, Illinois, left a 65-year-old Mount Prospect woman dead after a U.S. Postal Service truck crossed into oncoming traffic Saturday morning. Authorities say the driver of the mail truck briefly lost control, resulting in a head-on crash that claimed the life of Laurie Jensen.
Mail Truck Drifts Into Wrong Lane, Causing Deadly Crash
Des Plaines police responded to the crash around 10:07 a.m. on the 1700 block of Mannheim Road after receiving reports of a serious two-vehicle collision. According to investigators, 48-year-old Leonard Moore was driving a USPS truck southbound when he veered into the northbound lanes.
The truck struck a 2005 Chrysler Sebring driven by Jensen. Moore later told officers he had temporarily lost control of his vehicle, causing the deadly drift into Jensen’s lane.
Both drivers were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Victim Identified as Mount Prospect Resident
Authorities confirmed that Laurie Jensen, 65, died from her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Jensen was described as a longtime Mount Prospect resident, and news of her death has shaken the suburban community.
Police have not released additional details about the extent of Moore’s injuries.
USPS Driver Cited, Investigation Ongoing
Moore was issued a citation for improper lane usage, with a mandatory court appearance scheduled for 9 a.m. on January 16 at the Skokie Courthouse. Police have not announced any additional charges at this time, pending further investigation.
Authorities are still working to determine what caused Moore to lose control of the postal vehicle. Factors such as road conditions, potential mechanical issues, or driver error remain under review.
USPS representatives have not yet commented publicly on the incident.
Community Left Seeking Answers After Sudden Loss
The fatal crash has sparked questions from residents who travel the busy Mannheim Road corridor. The area, known for heavy traffic and frequent lane shifts, has been the site of several serious collisions in recent years. Local drivers say the incident underscores the need for heightened caution, especially during morning travel hours.
Friends and neighbors of Jensen expressed shock at the sudden tragedy, noting that weekend mornings are typically quiet in the suburban stretch where the crash occurred.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Safety Officials Remind Drivers to Stay Vigilant
Although the cause of the lane drift has not been confirmed, the crash serves as a reminder of how quickly a momentary loss of control can turn deadly. Transportation officials emphasize that service vehicles, including mail trucks, face the same risks as passenger cars when operating in congested suburban environments.
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As the investigation continues, authorities hope to determine whether additional safety measures or driver protocols may help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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