Union Pacific Collision: NTSB Investigates Illinois Grade Crossing Incident

Introduction

On October 23, a Union Pacific Railroad train collided with a Ford pickup truck at the South State Street grade crossing on the UP Belvidere Subdivision in Elgin, Illinois, resulting in the death of the truck driver, according to a preliminary report released this week by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Incident Overview

The incident involved a Union Pacific Railroad train and a Ford pickup truck towing a trailer. The truck was owned by Cornerstone Partners, a landscaping company. The truck driver was killed in the collision.

Injuries and Response

The truck contained the driver and two passengers. Both passengers were injured and transported to hospitals. The NTSB report indicated that no other injuries were reported.

Train Operations

The train was returning to UP’s Belvidere Yard after completing work in the railroad’s Proviso and West Chicago yards. The train was traveling approximately 27 mph as it approached the crossing, according to event recorder data.

Investigation Findings

The locomotive’s outward-facing image recorder showed highway traffic crossing in the moments before the collision. The train’s whistle sounded, and the crossing’s warning devices activated as the train neared the crossing, according to event and image recorders.

Conclusion

A Union Pacific Railroad train struck a Ford pickup truck on October 23 at a grade crossing in Elgin, Illinois. The truck driver died, and two passengers were injured. The train was returning to Belvidere Yard after work in other yards. The NTSB is investigating the incident.

Company Summary

Union Pacific Railroad: A major North American freight transport company.

Cornerstone Partners: A landscaping company.