"It just dropped right out of the sky," said witness Ed Dieringer.
Illinois State Police responded after a small white Beechcraft aircraft made an emergency landing in the southbound lanes of I-355, according to preliminary reports.
The plane was only in the air for about five minutes before making the crash landing, according to flight records.
Drivers nearby were shocked to see the plane slimming down onto the expressway.
"I did not expect it," Dieringer added. "You are just driving and right in front of you this thing drops."
Police said the emergency landing was due to unknown mechanical issues.
Four people were on board of the plane at the time of the emergency landing, according to family members. The passengers included the pilot and three young women, ages 15, 20, and 21, all from the south suburbs of Wilmington, Illinois.
During the landing, family members told ABC7 that the plane hit a barrier.
"I just could not believe that the way that it hit the concrete, and impacted and just stopped right away, that they would be alive. It was amazing," Dieringer said.
Drivers rushed to pull over and help until the ambulance arrived.
"I was just glad to see no blood," Dieringer recalled before adding that, "there was fuel coming out of the plane."
Three of the four people are being treated for back injuries and undergoing other medial checks at Silver Cross Hospital, the family said.
Family members also said the pilot is very experienced and that the plane took off from Lewis University Airport. The pilot, who is one of the girls' father, took the girls for a ride to enjoy the nice weather, family said.
As of 3:30 p.m., all lanes of I-355 have been reopened, according to ISP.
This is a developing story and more information will be provided when it becomes available.
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