Box Truck Struck By Metra Train After Driver Went Around Gate, Tried To Turn Around On Tracks: Metra

NEW LENOX, IL — A box truck was struck by a Metra train Wednesday night in New Lenox after the driver reportedly went around the safety gate, a Metra representative said.

Rock Island Train 511 struck the box truck at Gougar Road near Route 30 just before 10 p.m., said Metra Public Relations Manager Meg Thomas-Reile.

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Initial reports indicate that the truck driver had gone around the gate and was reportedly attempting to turn around on the tracks due to a traffic crash nearby on Route 30, Thomas-Reile said.

Metra's signal department reported that the gates were functional and had activated at least 30 seconds before the train entered the crossing, Thomas-Reile said.

Nearly 40 passengers onboard were transferred to another train, and the train involved was taken out of service.

The driver of the truck refused medical attention. One Metra passenger requested assistance for discomfort, Thomas-Reile said, and was taken to a nearby hospital.