A Skokie woman was killed and another woman was critically injured when their vehicle collided with a CTA Yellow Line train.
A CTA spokesperson said the two women were traveling southbound in a red Toyota at the railroad crossing at East Prairie Road between Oakton and Howard Yellow Line stations. As the vehicle entered the crossing, it was struck by the train that was traveling east.
The 62-year-old passenger in the vehicle was transported to Evanston Hospital where she was reported dead. The 45-year-old driver, who was identified as the victim’s sister-in-law, was taken in critical condition to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. First responders had to extricate the two women from the mangled vehicle.
An additional five of the 20 passengers on the train were also transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Although the accident is still under investigation, CTA officials said that the crossing gate was down and the bells and lights were functioning at the time of the accident. It appears as though the woman drove around the gates. It remains unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
According to transit authorities, the accident occurred at 10:20 a.m. and suspended Yellow Line service for several hours. Several blocks between Oakton and Howard streets were also closed throughout the day as police investigated the accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured or died in an accident involving public transportation in Chicago, contact the Metra and CTA accident lawyers at GWC Injury Lawyers for help getting the compensation you deserve. We are experienced in working with the city on behalf of injury victims.
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