Bartlett, Illinois- A tragic accident in suburban Chicago claimed the life of a village employee Monday morning after a Metra commuter train struck a snowplow at a railroad crossing in Bartlett, Illinois. The incident disrupted rail service for several hours and is now under investigation by Metra police.
What Happened
According to the Bartlett Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 8:35 a.m. at the intersection of Oak Avenue and Railroad Avenue. A small snowplow operated by a village employee entered the crossing and was struck by an outbound Metra Milwaukee District West Line train.
The snowplow driver, a 64-year-old man, was critically injured in the crash. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police confirmed.
Train Passengers and Crew Safe
Authorities stated that no passengers or crew members aboard the Metra train were injured during the collision. Metra officials said the train was carrying commuters at the time of the crash but no medical treatment was required for anyone on board.
Service Disruptions on Milwaukee District West Line
The accident caused significant delays and service disruptions along the Milwaukee District West Line throughout the morning and early afternoon. Metra officials confirmed that affected train operations were gradually restored, with full service resuming shortly after 1 p.m. Monday.
Commuters were advised to expect delays while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
Investigation Underway
Metra Police are leading the investigation into the fatal crash. Officials have not yet released additional details, including:
- The identity of the snowplow driver
- Whether warning signals or crossing gates were active
- The exact circumstances leading up to the collision
Bartlett village officials acknowledged the loss of an employee but did not release a formal statement as of Monday afternoon.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised renewed concerns about railroad crossing safety, particularly during winter weather conditions when snowplows and road crews are actively working near train tracks. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, train data, and witness accounts as part of the ongoing probe…