Buffalo Grove Fire Department responded to the report of a crash with a car fire at Aptakisic Road and Prairie (Lake County W17) about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Buffalo Grove Fire Department units reported smoke showing during their response to the accident. Buffalo Grove police and fire arrived to find a car crashed into a power pole with a live wire on the car and a fire presumably caused by the live wire. People were trapped in the burning car and rescue efforts were hampered by the live wire — the car and pole located on the north side of Aptakisic Road about 300 feet east of Prairie. The car was apparently eastbound and crossed the westbound lanes and hit the utility pole. One person is reported killed by the accident.
UPDATE JUL 17 2008 10:44 PM: The dead driver is identified as Daniel Contini of Buffalo Grove.
Witnesses are reporting that drag racing caused the one-car accident. Police are questioning suspects and a prolonged investigation at the accident scene is underway. Aptakisic Road is blocked from Buffalo Grove Road and Aptakisic Road is blocked from Weiland Road.
Also on the scene are Lincolnshire Police Department, Long Grove Fire Department, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Department, Fox River Grove Police and the Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County. ComEd also responded to the scene to turn off electricity to the accident scene and help with removal of downed wires and a hanging power pole.