Wheaton, Ill. - On January 21st at approximately 10:35 a.m., a fatal crash occurred involving a freight train and one automobile, at President Street and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Wheaton, Illinois. Wheaton Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the crash.
The vehicle was occupied by one male adult. Wheaton Fire Department paramedics treated the victim and transported the victim to Central DuPage Hospital. The victim was pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital. The victim was identified as Mr. H. Thomas Powers, 70 years of age, a resident of Lisle, IL. Next of kin have been notified.
The preliminary investigation found that the adult male driver of a late model red Toyota automobile was northbound President Street. The driver went around the down railroad gate and the vehicle was struck by a Union Pacific freight train bearing engine number 5715, which was eastbound on the northern most track.
The Wheaton Police Department will continue to investigate the crash.
Due to the crash all railroad crossings through downtown Wheaton remained blocked for over two hours. All train traffic including freight and passenger trains was also stopped for approximately 90 minutes, during the investigation.
The President Street railroad crossing will be closed for several days in order for the railroad to repair railroad equipment, which also sustained damage due to the crash.
No further information is available at this time.
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