3 KILLED IN CAR-TRAIN ACCIDENT
A retired University of Illinois professor, his wife, and their 9-year-old granddaughter were riding in a vehicle Monday afternoon near the LaSalle County line when they were struck by an Amtrak passenger train bound for California. Two other grandchildren, ages 10 and 7, were injured in the collision and taken to a hospital in Rockford. No passengers aboard the train were injured.
Initial police investigation evidence suggests that the southbound vehicle did not stop at the railroad crossing, but rather entered the crossing and was struck by the lead engine of the westbound train. The LaSalle county sheriff's office is continuing its investigation and has not released who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Just last week five teenagers in Michigan were killed when they tried to cross railroad tracks in the face of an oncoming train. These needless accidents are tragic and preventable. Please take caution when you approach a railroad crossing. Keep in mind that trains are much closer and faster moving than they may appear. Do not try to beat the train. Heed the warning signals and the gates. Waiting those few minutes for a train to pass will be worth it.
My most sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a train accident, please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.
