A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday evening in the western Chicago suburb of Westmont, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a Metra BNSF train. The Westmont Fire Department received the distress call at around 6:31 p.m. and promptly responded to the scene near the Westmont Train Depot. Officials pronounced the pedestrian dead on the scene, as reported by NBC Chicago.
Following the collision, West Burlington Avenue west of Lincoln Street has been closed to allow for a comprehensive investigation. According to information obtained by CBS News Chicago, Metra officials confirmed that both inbound and outbound trains on the BNSF line were halted near Westmont due to a train, No. 1275, involved in the accident.
The identity of the pedestrian has not been released, and details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain scarce. Authorities are working to determine what led to this fatal encounter between man and machine, as the surrounding community grapples with the sudden loss.
An investigation into incident is currently underway by Metra, who has yet to provide further details about the situation. The disruption to the train service caused by the accident has impacted numerous commuters, with Metra releasing statements on alternative travel arrangements for those affected. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on the factors contributing to the tragedy, giving closure to shaken residents and travelers alike.
