Child Escapes Being Struck By Metra Train In Mount Prospect: Police

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL — A 11-year-old child, who was riding their bicycle at the time, narrowly escaped being struck by an oncoming Metra train Tuesday night near Mount Prospect. Police said the Mount Prospect resident was not injured during the incident that delayed incoming and outgoing trains for several hours.

At around 4:33 p.m., police responded to the Union Pacific railroad crossing at Emerson Street near Prospect Avenue for a report of a bicycle being struck by outbound Metra commuter train No. 637. Upon arrival, police found the uninjured child, who had been riding the bike.

During the ensuing investigation, police learned the child had been riding along Prospect Avenue approaching Emerson Street. At that time, the train gates were down with the warning devices activated as an inbound commuter train was clearing the crossing. The child then rode around the lowered train gates, as an outbound commuter train was entering the crossing on the southernmost track. The train's engineer activated a train horn and the child was able to jump off the bike and get clear of the train, prior to it striking the bicycle.

Police said the crossing at Emerson Street was blocked during the investigation until around 6:45 p.m.

The Mount Prospect Police Department is asking residents to use this incident to talk about railroad crossing safety with loved ones, especially children. Police released the following tips:

• When the red warning lights are flashing and the train gates are down, it means a train is coming into the crossing.
• Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates.
• Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised.
• Disobeying the gates and signals is dangerous and illegal.
• Just like cars on a street, trains on the tracks run in both directions. When one passes, another may be coming on a different track. It is important to look in both directions and listen carefully before crossing.
• Remember, “See Tracks? Think Trains!”

More train safety information can be found on the Operation Lifesaver website.