Western Springs Amtrak Crash at Wolf Road: 2 District 107 Students Killed, Gate Investigation & BNSF Update

Two Pleasantdale School District 107 students died Wednesday in a Western Springs train crash at the Wolf Road crossing. A bystander pulled the driver from the car before first responders arrived. The woman was critically hurt. The village is now investigating the crossing gates, and counseling help opens Thursday.

An Amtrak train hit a Mitsubishi at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. The train was westbound from Chicago to Quincy. The car was southbound. Two children in the car died. The woman driving was taken to Loyola Hospital, CBS Chicago reported. All 35 Amtrak passengers were uninjured.

Wolf Road and Grand Avenue crossings were closed after the crash. Lawn Avenue remained open as the primary north-south detour. Metra BNSF service was halted in both directions until midday Wednesday. The Village of Western Springs posted an official notice about counseling hours on Thursday.

Western Springs train crash: witness accounts, gate investigation and bystander rescue

Mark Wolz owns Elite Fitness near the crossing. He used a fire extinguisher to help reach the driver. “We saw the flames and we knew we had seconds. My members grabbed extinguishers and we ran out there” (CBS Chicago). A witness told reporters the crossing gates were down and lights flashing when the car went around the gate. Village officials stated early reports indicated the gates were functioning (Village of Western Springs Official Notice). No cause has been confirmed.

The Major Crash Assistance Team and Illinois State Police are investigating. Their work covers the crossing, the vehicle and the train. Read more in our US rail safety coverage and our Amtrak and commuter transit reporting. See also our grade crossing safety explainer.

Amtrak and Metra’s BNSF line share the same corridor. The BNSF tracks here run as a triple-track line. Passenger trains for both services use it. A crash on one track stops movement on the others while crews work. That is why an Amtrak crash halted Metra commuters.

Why did a Western Springs train crash stop Metra BNSF service?

Amtrak and Metra share the BNSF triple-track corridor through Western Springs. After the Wolf Road collision, investigators needed the tracks clear of traffic. Trains on neighboring tracks had to stop or hold. Metra BNSF riders saw delays until the scene was cleared and service resumed.

Village Hall will host support for residents Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. Superintendent Dr. Dave Palzet said, “Our crisis teams are mobilized for students and families. We are here for the community through this loss” (Pleasantdale School District 107). The Village of Western Springs Official Notice confirms social workers will be at Village Hall Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for community members and bystanders who witnessed the crash. The investigation is ongoing. No cause has been released.