Fire, accident mark Columbus Day in Southwest Suburbs
(LYONS Update below)
Fire reported in Orland Park. Two Orland Park firefighters were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion while battling a large fire that consumed a vacant two-story home near 108th Avenue and Oakland, on Monday, Columbus Day, Oct. 9, 2017
Fire Chief Michael Schofield said both firefighters have been released from medical care and are doing well.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Schofield said.
Photos of the fire are posted below.
In another unrelated incident on Monday:
A major accident was reported with serious injuries at First Avenue and 44th Place in the Village of Lyons.
Lyons Police Chief James Keating said that First Avenue is closed (7 pm Monday Oct. 9, 2017) but would be reopened pending the evacuation of injured passengers/drivers and police investigation.
The accident occurred at around 6:30 pm.
“This is a very bad accident,” Keating said.
Keating confirmed that two people were killed int he accident.
Deceased from Vehicle #1:
William Molthop; Male, 60 years of age from Roselle
Vincent Neri; Male, 62 years of age from Melrose Park
Injured from Vehicle #2:
Jordan Michalak; Male, years of age from Berwyn.
Police noted, “The traffic crash remains under investigation by the Lyons Police Department and the Illinois State Police. Incident occurred at the intersection of 1st Avenue and 44th Street. Preliminary evidence indicates Vehicle #1 traveling S/B on 1st Ave. attempting to turn left (east) onto 44th st. Unit #2 north bound 1st Ave. attempting to cross 44th street. According to witnesses, both vehicles were traveling on the green light through the intersection. This investigation remains open for further investigation at this time.”
For updates on the road closures and accident update, visit the Village of Lyons Facebook Page by clicking here:
Smoke rises from a vacant two-story building that was on fire Monday afternoon (Oct. 9, 2017) at 108th Avenue near Oakland Drive. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].
Follow RayHanania at Twitter
- Orland Park Statement on Settlement of William Sanchez vs. Village of Orland Park, et al., Lawsuit - December 5, 2025
- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas column explores options to help pay property taxes by Dec. 15 - December 5, 2025
- WalletHub releases Credit Card Debt study, shows $16 billion increase - December 5, 2025
