2 Killed, 1 Injured in Western Springs Train Accident
A westbound Amtrak train and a vehicle collided around 8 a.m. Wednesday on Wolf Road, and one injured person went to Loyola University Medical Center.
Two people were killed and one person was injured in a train crash at the Wolf Road crossing in Western Springs on Nov. 11, according to the village of Western Springs.
How the Wolf Road Train Crash Unfolded
Authorities said a westbound Amtrak train struck a vehicle that was on the tracks at Wolf Road at about 8 a.m. The train had left Chicago and was bound for Quincy. Two people died, and the village said a third person was hospitalized at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. School officials said the two people killed were girls who attended Pleasantdale Elementary School. The school is in LaGrange.
Witnesses said the third person was a woman who had been driving the vehicle, and that bystanders used a fire extinguisher to put out flames and help her escape. A man who was exercising at a nearby gym said he ran to the scene, took off his shirt and tried to smother the flames on her. He asked not to be identified.
Hospital staff treated her for serious injuries. Amtrak said no injuries were reported among the 35 passengers and crew aboard. The village said early reports showed the crossing gates were working and engaged at the time.
Where the Western Springs Investigation Stands
The village said the crash remains under investigation. The Wolf Road and Grand Avenue crossings were both shut, and village officials urged drivers and people on foot to stay away from the area. Metra service on the BNSF Line was halted, and trains were canceled for hundreds of riders. Service was restored late Wednesday afternoon.
Two deaths were reported to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, and the names of those killed have not been released. The office has described those killed only as girls and has not released their ages. Counselors and crisis staff were available at the school on Thursday, and social workers were also on hand at Western Springs Village Hall to help witnesses. Neighbors left candles and flowers at a memorial outside the downtown Western Springs train station.
When federal investigators take over a rail crash, the final report often takes a year or more. Shorter early reports usually come out first.
Candice Bond· Bond LegalFrom an earlier interview. General commentary, not about this crash, and not legal advice. The contributor may not be licensed in your state.Sources
- chicago.suntimes.com, “2 dead, 1 hurt in Amtrak train crash in Western Springs”
- shawlocal.com, “Two elementary school students killed in train v. car collision in western Cook County suburbs”
- dailyherald.com, “Two dead after Amtrak train collides with vehicle in Western Springs”
- wgntv.com, “'It's not about being a hero, it's about being human': Bystander helps amid fiery Amtrak-SUV crash in Western Springs”
- nbcchicago.com, “‘Ball of flames': Witnesses recount Amtrak crash into car that left 2 kids dead”
- syracuse.com, “2 children killed when vehicle is struck by train in Illinois”
- dailyherald.com, “Officials: Gates appeared to be working when fatal Amtrak crash occurred”
- abc7chicago.com, “Elementary school remembers 2 girls killed in Amtrak train crash in Western Springs”
Lost someone in a crash like this?
Here is what families in Illinois usually need, in the order it comes up.
Death certificates. The funeral home or the family can order them, and banks and insurers each usually want a copy.
Crash report. The crash report is usually ready a few weeks after the crash, and you can still get it later.
Funeral costs. Every state has a victim fund that pays funeral costs after some crashes, and the fund decides who qualifies.
Survivor payments. If the person who died had worked, their spouse or children may get monthly Social Security payments. Applying early matters.
Insurance offer. You can turn down the insurer's first offer and ask for more.
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