Wrong-Way Truck Crash in Edwardsville: Police Pursuit Ends in Fatal Building Collision

When a Chevrolet Truck Becomes a Deadly Weapon on Illinois Roads

The evening of February 17, 2026, started like any other in Edwardsville, Illinois. By 9:21 p.m., it had turned into a nightmare. A Chevrolet truck—driven by 24-year-old Ryan C. Drew of Hamel—was barreling the wrong way down SIU Northern Access Road after already exhibiting reckless behavior on New Poag Road. What began as an attempt by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) police to stop an unsafe driver escalated into a high-speed chase through downtown Edwardsville. The pursuit ended in tragedy when Drew lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the Redmon Insurance building at 106 South Main Street. Drew was pronounced dead at the scene by the Madison County Coroner.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. It was a preventable catastrophe—one that raises serious questions about police pursuit policies, driver accountability, and the devastating consequences when vehicles are operated with reckless disregard for public safety. At Attorney911, we’ve seen how wrong-way crashes and police pursuits can change lives in an instant. If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar incident in Arlington, Tarrant County, Texas, or anywhere in the country, you need to understand your rights and the legal avenues available to seek justice.

The Anatomy of a Wrong-Way Crash: How This Incident Unfolded

The Timeline of Recklessness

According to reports, the sequence of events that led to this fatal crash began with