Available 
BARRINGTON, Cook County, Ill., Sept. 18, 2026 — A car was struck by a Metra train on Friday, September 18, near the intersection of Route 14 and Hart Road in Barrington. Injuries were reported, though their extent had not been released.
Barrington Fire Department crews and Barrington police responded to the scene after reports that a vehicle had been hit by the train. The area of Route 14 and Hart Road was affected while crews worked the crash.
Emergency responders confirmed injuries at the scene, but officials had not said how many people were hurt or how serious the injuries were as of Friday. It remains unclear whether any occupants were transported for treatment.
Metra Police were called in to investigate the crash. No cause has been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Where Vehicle-Train Crashes Happen Most
Crossings where roads meet rail lines at grade, without separation, tend to produce the most vehicle-train collisions. These are spots where drivers must judge a train's speed and distance themselves, usually at intersections that also carry heavy cross traffic or turning movements, which can distract from an approaching train or delay a stopped vehicle from clearing the tracks in time.
Rural and suburban crossings with older warning equipment, or crossings near curves and sightline obstructions, show up frequently in crash data. So do crossings close to intersections like the one in this report, where a driver's attention is split between traffic signals, turning lanes, and the tracks themselves.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 13,449 highway-rail grade-crossing incidents occurred from 2017 through 2023. That volume reflects how many different crossing types and conditions are involved nationwide, not any single design flaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm involved in a crash at a rail crossing?
Move away from the tracks if it's safe to do so, check for injuries, and call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move a vehicle that is stuck on or near the rails until you've confirmed no train is approaching.
What injuries are common in vehicle-train collisions?
These crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from cuts and bruises to broken bones and head or spinal injuries, depending on the speed and angle of impact. Anyone involved should be evaluated by a medical professional even if injuries seem minor at first.
What usually causes crashes at railroad crossings?
Common factors include stopped traffic blocking the tracks, misjudging a train's speed or distance, malfunctioning or obscured warning signals, and driver distraction near the crossing.
What to Do After a Car-Train Crash in Barrington, Illinois
Anyone involved in a crash near a rail crossing should get checked by a medical provider even if they feel fine, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms. Keep records of any treatment received and follow up with a doctor if new pain or symptoms appear in the days after.
It also helps to request a copy of the official police and Metra Police reports once they're available. These reports document what responders observed at the scene and can be useful for insurance claims or medical follow-up. If you witnessed the crash or have information that might assist investigators, contacting Barrington police directly is the most direct way to help.
