CHICAGO — A South Shore Line train originating from Chicago was involved in a devastating crash Wednesday night in Gary, Indiana, that left five people dead — all members of the same family.
The collision occurred shortly after 10 p.m. near U.S. 12/20 and East 7th Avenue/Utah Street, where a vehicle went around the railroad gates and was struck by the eastbound Train No. 133 headed out of Chicago. The crash forced the train to stop just west of Miller Station.
All Five Victims Were Ejected and Killed
According to Gary Police, all five individuals inside the SUV were ejected on impact and pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as:
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De’Mario Craig, 24
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Maurice Parrish, 20
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Bryon Towns, 21
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Sherise Parrish, 20
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Latianna King, 20
All five were residents of the 4000 block of Harrison Street in Gary and died from multiple blunt force injuries.
“It ain’t going to probably hit me until I go home and go to sleep,” said Howard Hawkins, father of victim Bryon Towns. “That’s when it’s going to really hit me.”
Hawkins added that his son’s girlfriend, also killed in the crash, leaves behind a baby daughter.
Train Origin and Safety Reminder
The South Shore Line confirmed that the train originated in Chicago and was carrying 32 passengers and four crew members, none of whom were injured.
South Shore Line President Mike Noland emphasized the dangers of ignoring activated railroad crossing gates.
“It’s not worth the 30 seconds or a minute you might save,” Noland warned. “You’re putting yourself and others’ lives at risk.”
Noland noted this was the first fatal crash involving a South Shore Line train this year. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it will not investigate the crash.
Was someone you know impacted by this incident? Share your thoughts or tributes at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com to help honor the lives lost.
