Northwest Line Metra Train Collides With Semi

UPDATE 11:09 A.M.

A Metra train collided with a semi tractor trailer in Mount Prospect this morning, a Metra spokesman confirmed. The driver of the truck was killed.

It happened at 8:45 a.m. at Mount Prospect Road, when train 636 on Metra Union Pacific’s Northwest Line struck the vehicle. Metra officials say all train cars remained upright, but the front wheels did become derailed.

There were no immediate reports of life threatening injuries to anyone onboard the train, however, some passengers did seek assistance and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

A Metra spokesperson said the intersection where the accident happened is a grade crossing that is protected with fully operating gates, lights and bells.  An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

Service delays because of the crash are causing delays on the Northwest line today, and Metra has tentative plans in place to get passengers around the accident scene.

Passengers traveling from Des Plaines and points further west will be able to get off at Des Plaines, and take a bus to Arlington Heights. There, passengers can board another train that will take them points west between Arlington Heights and Crystal Lake. Trains operating inbound from Des Plaines eastward will have a similar arrangement, with buses taking people around the accident scene.

The Chicago Tribune has video from the crash site.