Driver charged after car hits Pace bus in Wheeling

A Wheeling man has been charged with driving under the influence after his car struck a Pace bus Monday evening in a four-vehicle accident in Wheeling that injured two people, police said.

The driver of the car, Michael D. Lopez, 25, of 583 Shelly Court, was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, with what appeared to be serious injuries, Deputy Chief William Benson said Tuesday. Information on his condition was not available.

The female driver of the bus, whose name was not being released, was taken to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights with what appeared to be minor injuries.

Police gave this account:

Lopez was driving a 2004 Acura RSX east on Dundee Road about 5 p.m. Monday when he struck the rear of a 2003 Mitsubishi stopped for a red light at Wolf Road. The force of the collision pushed that car into a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer also stopped at the light.

Lopez's vehicle spun around 180 degrees, and the driver's side collided with the front of a Pace bus southbound on Wolf Road that was turning west onto Dundee Road.

The accident blocked westbound traffic on Dundee for about 90 minutes, creating major backups as vehicles were rerouted.

Lopez was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, speeding, disobeying a red light and improper lane usage, Benson said.