This morning, there was a serious incident involving a Metra train and a dump truck at the intersection of Mount Prospect Road and Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect. The crash happened around 8:40 AM as the train approached the crossing. Unfortunately, the truck driver did not survive the collision, and the ensuing derailment occurred approximately a quarter-mile further down the tracks in Des Plaines.
Emergency services from both Mount Prospect and Des Plaines quickly mobilized, setting up a unified command center to manage the extensive response efforts. Multiple passengers were injured in the accident, with some requiring immediate transport to local hospitals. While many injuries were not life-threatening, the engineer sustained critical injuries. A significant number of ambulances from different divisions were dispatched to assist, and a PACE bus was even called in to help transport a group of patients classified as 'walking wounded'.
Photographs from the scene reveal the severity of the accident. The lead car of the train derailed and listed heavily, while the dump truck was completely destroyed, its cab separated and thrown nearly 50 feet away. The first two cars of the train caught fire due to leaking fuel, causing significant damage to the exterior. Despite the chaos, the windows of the train managed to protect most passengers inside, although the interior suffered considerable damage from smoke and heat.
Eyewitnesses and photographers, including Tim Olk and Larry Shapiro, captured vivid images of the aftermath. From their photos, we see the twisted metal of the train cars, the scattered debris from the truck, and the extensive damage along the tracks. The intersection itself presents a challenging design, with Northwest Highway’s diagonal alignment contributing to visibility issues.
Local authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, suspecting that the driver may have ignored crossing signals or attempted to bypass the barriers. This isn’t the first time such an accident has occurred at this location; a similar incident happened nearly ten years prior. The truck involved in today's crash was reportedly carrying a load of concrete when it made a left turn onto Mount Prospect Road, positioning the cab directly on the tracks just as the train approached.
As emergency responders continue to clear the scene, the full extent of the damage and the investigation into the cause are still unfolding. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the safety of all who use this busy crossing.
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