Metra BNSF trains are once again operating smoothly both inbound and outbound after a dramatic incident unfolded in Hinsdale, Illinois on Monday. Earlier in the day, a Metra train collided with a vehicle at a train crossing, temporarily halting service.
The unsettling event was captured on video, which Hinsdale police later shared on Facebook. The footage reveals the sequence of events leading to the crash, occurring just before 11:45 a.m. at the Monroe Street train crossing.
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In the video, the vehicle is observed making a turn to cross the tracks when, suddenly, one of the railroad crossing arms begins to lower. The vehicle is caught with its front end over the tracks, moments before the train impacts it.
As the train strikes, the vehicle is violently knocked off the tracks and pushed back into the crossing arm, illustrating the sheer force of the collision.
Remarkably, despite the severity of the crash, Hinsdale police have reported that the driver of the vehicle escaped with only minor injuries, a fortunate outcome given the circumstances.
Hinsdale police said the driver in the vehicle suffered only minor injuries.
The train was disabled, police said.
Another train was accommodating passengers, Metra said.
Train No. 1256, which was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 12:20 p.m. hit the vehicle, Metra said.
Chopper 7 was over Monroe Street and West Hinsdale Avenue in Hinsdale just before 1 p.m.
Several other inbound and outbound trains have been delayed as a result of the crash.
Visit metra.com for the latest schedule changes.
The public is asked to avoid the railroad crossing.
