LA GRANGE — A dramatic crash between a freight train and a semitruck in suburban La Grange on Friday afternoon caused significant delays across the Metra BNSF line, though no injuries were reported, officials said.
Collision Captured on Video
According to NBC Chicago, video footage shows the moment the freight train slammed into the trailer of a semitruck that was stalled across the railway tracks between Burlington Avenue and Hillgrove Avenue.
The video reveals that while the tractor portion of the semitruck had cleared the tracks, the trailer remained on the crossing, where it was hit by a westbound freight train and dragged for several feet.
Metra BNSF Line Impact
Metra confirmed that its trains were not directly involved in the crash but announced hours of delays along the BNSF line due to track blockage. Initially, train service was suspended between Westmont and Berwyn, with operations restricted to two separate segments:
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Chicago to Berwyn
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Westmont to Aurora
Later in the evening, Metra reported that tracks 2 and 3 had been cleared, and scheduled stops resumed.
Local Officials Detail the Incident
La Grange Village Manager Jack Knight explained that the truck was crossing the intersection when the second of two crossing gates came down. The driver had moved the cab across, but the trailer was still positioned over the tracks when the train struck.
The force of the impact pushed the vehicle into a tree and into the pillar of the nearby train station, according to village officials.
No Injuries, But Concerns Remain
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, but the situation has reignited safety discussions surrounding freight traffic through suburban areas and the timing of crossing gates at busy intersections.
Authorities have not released further information regarding the driver, the trucking company involved, or whether any citations were issued.
Were you in the area during the La Grange train crash? Have you experienced delays on the BNSF line? Share your thoughts and eyewitness accounts with ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
