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WESTERN SPRINGS, Cook County, Ill., Nov. 11, 2026 — Two people died and one was hurt on Wednesday morning, November 11, after an Amtrak train struck a vehicle at a railroad crossing in Western Springs, according to Amtrak and the village of Western Springs.
The crash happened around 8 a.m. at the Wolf Road crossing, where Amtrak train No. 381, headed west from Chicago to Quincy, hit a vehicle on the tracks, the village said in a statement. Two occupants of the vehicle were killed. A third person was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, according to the statement. The Cook County medical examiner's office had not released the names of those killed as of midday on Wednesday.
Amtrak said none of the 35 passengers and crew members on board were injured. Riders were moved onto a bus to continue the trip west, with stops planned between La Grange and Quincy, the railroad said.
Crossings at Grand Avenue and Wolf Road were closed following the crash, though Lawn Avenue remained open. Drivers and pedestrians were told to avoid the area until further notice. Several law enforcement and emergency response teams remained on scene as the investigation continued.
The tracks are shared with Metra's BNSF Line, which reported widespread cancellations. Metra said inbound and outbound BNSF trains would run only between Union Station and La Grange Road, and between Aurora and Hinsdale, with no service between Stone Avenue and Highlands. The transit agency warned of heavy crowding on the trains still running and urged riders to consider other ways to travel.
The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation. Our sympathies are with the families of everyone who lost their lives.
Intersection Crashes in Illinois
This fatal crash happened at Grand Avenue and Wolf Road in Western Springs, IL. Our Illinois intersections page covers intersection crashes across Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should families do after a fatal crash like this one?
Families are usually directed to the county medical examiner's office for official identification and next steps, and can reach out to the investigating agency, in this case Amtrak and local authorities, for updates on the inquiry.
How are fatal train crossing crashes investigated?
These incidents typically draw review from the railroad itself along with local police and sometimes federal agencies, who examine signal equipment, crossing conditions and vehicle movement to determine what happened.
How long do these investigations usually take?
Timelines vary widely. Initial findings can take days, but a full investigation, especially one involving a train and multiple fatalities, can take weeks or months before a final report is issued.
Does impairment typically factor into crossing crashes?
It can, but any role of impairment or other causes would need to come from the investigating agency. No such determination has been announced in this case.
