Downers Grove, Illinois – Metra trains on the BNSF line were stopped in both directions Wednesday morning after a pedestrian was struck and killed by an inbound train.
According to officials, Train No. 1252 hit the man near the Downers Grove Station at about 8:00 a.m.
Train No. 1252 is an express train and was not scheduled to stop at that particular station. According to witnesses, the man may have been standing close to the track when he was struck.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim.
Trains Stopped Pending Fatality Investigation
Police closed the Main Street crossing during while the scene is being investigated. In the meantime, drivers should find an alternate route.
Crossings at Washington Street, Fairview Avenue, Forest Street, and Belmont Road are all open.
It was unclear how long Metra service would be halted. However, an extra BNSF train will operate between Fairview Avenue and Halsted Street to accommodate passengers.
We will continue to update our website as more information is gathered, however, commuters are encouraged to check Rail-Time Tracker or Metrarail.com for updates on delays.
Train Injuries & Rail Negligence
Thousands of Americans are injured in railroad accidents, derailments, or other train-related disasters every year. Unfortunately, due to the sheer size and weight of trains, many of these injuries can prove fatal.
By law, trains moving through heavily populated areas must move at slower speeds and use whistles to alert pedestrians of an approaching train. However, as many as 80% of railroad crossings do not have adequate warning devices—potentially causing pedestrians and drivers to be unaware that a train is coming until it’s too late.
If you are injured or lost a loved one in a train accident, there is only a limited amount of time to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers currently accepts train and railroad injury cases throughout the states of Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a train accident, call us at 314-444-4444 for your free consultation.
