2 critically injured in crash in Archer Heights

Two men were critically injured in a crash early Sunday in the Archer Heights neighborhood on the Southwest Side.

About 5:10 a.m., a Chrysler van was speeding northbound in the 3900 block of South Pulaski, weaving in and out of traffic when it rear-ended one vehicle, crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head-on, according to Chicago Police.

The van then went over the Pulaski Road bridge and caught fire, police said. Two witnesses were able to pull the driver and passenger from the burning vehicle.

The driver, a 21-year-old man, and his passenger, a 23-year-old man, were both taken in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital, police said.

The driver of the vehicle that was struck head-on, a 33-year-old woman, was taken also taken to Sinai, police said. She was initially listed as critical, but police said her condition had stabilized as of Sunday afternoon.

The driver of the vehicle rear-ended by the van refused medical attention at the scene.

The 21-year-old driver of the van was issued five traffic citations, including speeding, reckless driving, no insurance, no registration and no seatbelt, police said.

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate.