4 Critically Injured When Metra Train Hits Vehicle

CHICAGO, IL — Four people were critically injured, including a pedestrian, after a Metra train struck a vehicle in Chicago's Scottsdale neighborhood Wednesday evening. Service was halted for several hours in both directions on Metra's Southeast Line.

The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. at a grade crossing near 87th Street and Pulaski Road. Metra spokeswoman Katie Dahlstrom said that an outbound #833 train struck the vehicle, which then hit a pedestrian. The train had been scheduled to arrive in Orland Park at 8:02 p.m.

Emergency crews extricated the occupants of the vehicle. Two of the injured were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, one victim arriving in traumatic cardiac arrest, according to a Hometown Fire Protection District official.

The others were brought to University of Chicago's trauma center. All four victims are listed in critical condition.

"It was a tragic accident," the official said. "We're extremely proud of our crew who worked like a professional team with the Chicago Fire Department. They commended our guys for the work they did, reflecting the training and professionalism of Hometown firefighters."

Metra spokeswoman Katie Dahlstrom said it was not known if the snowy weather factored into the train vs. vehicle accident.

"It's still under investigation," Dahlstrom said.

The train remained stopped at the grade crossing late Wednesday as officials investigated the accident. Service was delayed well into the evening.