LAGRANGE, IL – The tranquility of a typical day at the LaGrange Metra Station was shattered last Friday when a train collided with a semi-truck, splitting the vehicle in two. Astonishingly, the truck driver emerged unscathed, driving away from the scene with the front cab intact.
The accident left visible scars on the landscape, with gouges in the sidewalk and boarded-up windows serving as reminders of the dramatic incident. As the community grapples with the aftermath, many are left wondering about the driver’s state of mind during the crash.
On Monday, BNSF crews were seen closely inspecting the railroad crossing at Hillgrove Avenue and LaGrange Road, the epicenter of the collision. The semi-truck had been unable to clear the intersection in time, resulting in the train’s devastating impact. The trailer crumpled, damaging nearby trees and a Metra waiting area. Newly obtained footage reveals the driver managing to drive away, the cab severed from the trailer. Witnesses reported that the driver stopped to cooperate with investigators.
LaGrange police confirmed the driver received a citation for causing damage to village property. The truck was traced back to Pascal Trucking Lines, based in Tennessee. A company representative stated that the incident is still under investigation but declined to provide further details. A review of the company’s safety record shows a satisfactory rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Steve Gold, who leads a nationwide truck driving school in Illinois, emphasized the importance of caution at railroad crossings. “This isn’t rocket science; it’s common sense,” he said. Gold explained that their training includes exposure to real-life accident scenarios to underscore the time needed to safely clear crossings.
Despite the severity of the crash, no injuries were reported. The incident has sparked conversations about railroad safety and the protocols drivers must follow to prevent such occurrences.