Trucker dies in crash with inbound Metra train in Des Plaines

A 59-year-old Prospect Heights trucker who reportedly drove around downed crossing gates was killed during a collision with an inbound Metra train in northwest suburban Des Plaines on Friday morning.

The man’s identity was not being released pending notification of family, but he was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m. by personnel from Northwest Community Healthcare in Arlington Heights, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

Unconfirmed dispatch reports indicated multiple injuries among the passengers, including two who were hospitalized in critical condition.

Metra spokesman Miller said he’d been hearing that several passengers -- all of whom were removed from the train -- were hurt, but could not confirm that. A Metra spokeswoman said there were no apparent life-threatening injuries to passengers.

The lead car of the train derailed, but did not tip over, Miller said.

The wreck involved a dump truck and a Union Pacific Northwest train at Mount Prospect Road and Northwest Highway, near the Des Plaines-Mount Prospect border, according to a Mount Prospect police officer.

The lead car of the train, the cab car, where the engineer sits is derailed,’’ Miller said. “It’s cockeyed, if you will, its wheels are off the track. There is some serious damage to the lead car.’’

Miller said a small fire erupted under lead the car. “It’s out, there was some smoke,’’ said Miller.

Witnesses told Fox Chicago News that the collision caused a horrific noise and a large burst of flame from under the train.

“I thought for sure the flames were going to reach us or some of the debris would hit us,” said Susan Bass, who was in her car near the collision and pulled into the oncoming traffic lane to get away from the flames.

Mary Pichiotti, who was at a gas station 500 feet from the collision when it happened, told Fox Chicago News that words couldn’t describe the noise of the train hitting the truck. As the train dragged the truck, pieces of debris started flying.

“A ball of flame went shooting down the highway,” she said. “The impact -- it was unbelievable.”

Both women said they watched as shaken passengers streamed out of the train.

The train would normally hold about 800 passengers, though it still had nine stops to make before getting to its destination.

Train No. 636 originated at Harvard and was due at Ogilvie Station at 9:23 a.m.