There has been a serious accident not far from where I live:
November 23, 2005 (Elmwood Park, IL) – A Metra train has struck more than a dozen vehicles at a crossing in northwest suburban Elmwood Park. It happened around 4:45 p.m. on Grand near Harlem. It was Metra’s North Central train number 107 running express from Chicago’s Union Station.
At least 15 ambulances have been called to the scene and 13 people have been transported to area hospitals. It is unclear if anyone on board the train was injured but about a dozen vehicles are involved in the crash. This is a long crossing at Grand and Harlem.
It is not clear why so many vehicles were on the tracks at the time.
A Metra spokesman says a train heading from downtown Chicago to Antioch struck several vehicles during the holiday rush hour.
Spokesman Patrick Waldron says at least one of the vehicles burst into flames as a result of the accident.
There was no information available regarding injuries.
Eyewitnesses have said the gate was down and cars were blocked on the way across the tracks because of the heavy holiday traffic. At least 18 cars were involved in the accident. There were also reports that some people drove down the tracks in a panicked effort to escape the onrushing train. Not one person left their car.
We’re all in a hurry on holidays like this. We have places to go. Let’s get there in one piece. Never, ever stop in the middle of a damned railroad crossing, folks. Getting there five minutes quicker just isn’t worth the risk. And leave the damned car. Your life is more important.
UPDATE: They are now reporting that there have been no fatalities in the accident so far. And that some people had the prudence to leave their cars. Thank goodness.
