Driver Of Box Truck Dead After Being Hit By Amtrak Train In Illinois

The driver of a box truck in Northern Illinois was killed on Sunday night when an Amtrak Train struck the box truck, according to authorities.The Amtrak Train slammed into the vehicle as a track crossing located south of University Park Metra Station, which is about 30 miles outside of Chicago. The time of the incident was about 5PM local time.

The crash derailed five of the train’s passenger cars and one locomotive, however, all five of the derailed cars remained upright. According to a statement released by Amtrak, “[They are] working to secure alternate transportation to get passengers to their destination.”

The train was originally bound for Carbondale from Chicago and was traveling at a speed of 70 MPH when it hit the box truck and killed the driver. Onboard the train were about 300 passengers and five crew members. In total, two passengers were taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries, stated University Park Fire Department Deputy Chief Shawn Richards.

According to Amtrak Spokesperson, Marc Magliari, the crossing signals were working at the time of the incident.