WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. () — Two people, including elementary school students, were killed and another person was seriously injured Wednesday after an Amtrak train struck a vehicle in Western Springs, officials said.
The crash occurred around 8 a.m. when a westbound Amtrak train collided with a car on the tracks near Wolf Road, according to a spokesperson for the Village of Western Springs.
Two people died at the scene, while a third person was taken to Loyola Hospital in Maywood for treatment, the spokesperson said.
Pleasantdale School District 107 in Burr Ridge confirmed that two students were involved in the collision but did not provide additional information about them.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them,” the school district said in a statement. “It is our intention to create the safest emotional space for your child to process this loss. Our crisis response team met with students and staff today and will be available to communicate with students over the coming days and weeks.”
ABC7 learned that the two children who died were elementary school students.
Western Springs officials said the vehicle’s driver was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Mike Struglinski said he was inside a nearby bank when he heard the collision.
Chopper 7 flew over the crash site at approximately 8:36 a.m.
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BNSF rail service was suspended for most of Wednesday morning following the crash.
Around 1 p.m., Metra urged BNSF riders to make alternate arrangements for their evening commute.
By 2:20 p.m., Metra announced that all railroad crossings had reopened and that limited train service had resumed.
“The following BNSF trains will not operate due to an earlier Amtrak train striking a vehicle. BNSF inbound and outbound trains 1231, 1233, 1239, 1305, 1253, 1255, 1261, 1279, 1301, and 1262,” Metra said in an update Wednesday evening. “Visit Metra.com for schedule information.”
Social workers will be available at Village Hall on Thursday, November 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. to support people who witnessed the accident.
Amtrak released the following statement:
“On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Amtrak train No. 381 was traveling from Chicago to Quincy at approximately 8:10 a.m. (CT) when a vehicle came on the tracks and made contact with the train just west of La Grange.”
“There were no reported injuries to the 35 passengers or crew on board. Amtrak is working with local authorities to investigate the incident.”
“Customers were reaccommodated with alternate transportation via a bus, which will make all stops between La Grange and Quincy.”
