Train Signals were not Properly Functioning at Intersection Prior to Tragic Illinois Train Accident

Officials from the Canadian National Railway (CNR) have admitted that track signals at the Stuenkel Rd. intersection were not functioning properly last Friday night when a young dance instructor was hit by a train. The fatal Chicago area train accident occurred on the Amtrak tracks in University Park, IL, about a half mile from Governors State University. Initial reports of the tragedy had indicated that railroad crews working near the intersection had inadvertently deactivated the gates, bells and warning lights prior to the fatal Chicago train accident. An investigator who wished to remain nameless disclosed, “This was human error.” These findings were corroborated by a video camera that was on board the four car Amtrak train. That video shows that there were no flashing lights, barrier gates, and/or bells activated at the Stuenkel Road crossing.

The Federal Railroad Administration is investigating the accident along with Canadian National, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Commerce Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board. Officials from Canadian National have declined to comment on the tragic train accident, however a statement was issued admitting that the crossing protection systems in place at the intersection did not function properly.

Train accidents require exhaustive investigation and often involve many parties. If you have been injured in an Illinois train accident, you should contact an Illinois personal injury attorney to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Klest Law Firm has over thirty years of experience helping victims of Illinois accidents.