GRAYSLAKE, ILLINOIS — A minivan driver who told police he was blinded by the bright lights of an oncoming truck crashed into a utility pole on Route 83 Thursday evening, knocking out power to nearby residents and briefly disrupting a charity basketball game at Grayslake North High School.

The Grayslake Police Department and Grayslake Fire Protection District responded around 6:20 p.m. on February 27 to Route 83 just north of Shorewood Road. Police Chief Jeff Myhra said the northbound minivan driver was blinded by the bright lights of a large truck traveling southbound on Route 83, causing him to leave the roadway and strike a utility pole near the edge of the road.

ComEd responded to make emergency repairs, temporarily shutting off power to residents in the area while crews worked. Northbound lanes of Route 83 at Shorewood Road were closed during the response. Many residents and businesses in the area reported losing power, with ComEd sending outage notifications to affected customers. Repairs were completed at around 8:30 p.m., and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

The power outage also temporarily disrupted an event at nearby Grayslake North High School, which was hosting its annual "Route 83 Showdown" charity basketball game between teachers from Frederick School and Grayslake Middle School and Grayslake police officers and firefighters. Despite the brief disruption, the game continued — with the police officers and firefighters defeating the teachers 33-28.

No injuries were reported in connection with the crash.

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