Two Students Killed in Train Collision in Western Springs
Emergency responders at the scene of the train crash on the tracks in Western Springs.
Two elementary school girls were killed Wednesday morning when their vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train in Western Springs, Illinois. A third person, the driver of the vehicle, was hospitalized with critical injuries. The school district is providing extensive counseling and support resources to students and staff as the community mourns.
- WhenWednesday morning, approximately 8 a.m.
- WhereWolf Road crossing, Western Springs, Illinois
- CasualtiesTwo elementary school students killed; one adult critically injured
- InvolvedAmtrak train traveling from Chicago to Quincy; 2008 Mitsubishi
- StatusOngoing investigation into the cause of the collision
Photos
10 photosWhat happened
A fatal collision occurred on Wednesday morning when an Amtrak train traveling from Chicago to Quincy struck a vehicle at the Wolf Road crossing in Western Springs. The crash resulted in the deaths of two elementary school students who were in the vehicle.
A third person, identified as the driver of the 2008 Mitsubishi, was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Following the impact, a large plume of smoke was observed at the scene.
A memorial of flowers and candles placed near the railroad crossing where the collision occurred.
How it unfolded
The incident took place at approximately 8 a.m. While the village stated that early reports suggest the railroad crossing gates were down and functioning at the time of the collision, a witness reported that the driver attempted to cross the tracks despite the gates being lowered.
Following the crash, a memorial featuring flowers and candles was established near the site of the tragedy.
The people involved
The two victims were identified as elementary students within Pleasantdale School District 107. The district superintendent noted that the girls had attended the school since kindergarten and were well-known throughout the small district.
Out of respect for the families, the names and specific ages of the children have not been released by school officials.
Response and aftermath
Pleasantdale School District 107 has mobilized a crisis response team, including social workers and therapy dogs, to support students and staff. The superintendent emphasized the need to provide a safe emotional space for children to process their grief, encouraging parents to talk openly with their children and monitor for behavioral changes.
In addition to school-based support, the village made social workers and comfort dogs available at the village hall. The superintendent stated that there is no established playbook for such a tragedy, and the district is focused on supporting the community through the coming weeks.
What we still don't know
While the village indicated the gates were functioning, the official cause of the crash remains under investigation. The identity of the injured driver has not been released, and no further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision have been confirmed.