A dark cloud hangs over Barrington High School after a student was killed by a Metra train Thursday morning. Tragedy struck the northwest suburbs when the young student was fatally struck on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at the busy intersection of Hough Street and Main Street, according to NBC Chicago.
Barrington Fire Department officials arrived at the harrowing scene near Route 59 and Main Street at 7:45 a.m. to find that the student had sustained fatal injuries. Metra confirmed that due to the incident, some roads were closed and train schedules were affected, with delays reported on the Union Pacific/Northwest Line that morning.
In a heart-wrenching statement, Barrington 220 Superintendent Dr. Craig Winkelman shared, "It is with great sadness that I share with you the tragic news of the passing of one of our Barrington High School students." The superintendent's statement, released by the high school, continued, "The student’s family has been notified and is receiving support," which was obtained by FOX 32 Chicago.
To help students cope with the loss, the school has mobilized additional counselors and support staff. Dr. Winkelman mentioned that a dedicated team of adults at BHS is available to provide the necessary support for all students during difficult times like this. After the incident, an extra train from Palatine at 10 a.m. was scheduled for Chicago-bound commuters to help with the transportation disruptions.
The Barrington Police Department, with the assistance of the Metra Police Department, is investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident. Updated information is expected as their investigation continues. As the Barrington community grapples with this tragedy, further details about the student have not been disclosed out of respect for the family's privacy during this extremely difficult time.
