On my way home this evening, I noticed two Metra trains on the BNSF stopped on the bridge over I 294. I could tell that the furthest west train had passengers on it, however I could not see anything on the 2nd train. Anyone have an idea what was going on?
Well, I did a quick search and found the answer to my own question. According to reports, two Metra trains hit an unoccupied auto in Hinsdale on Monday evening.
http://www.nbc5.com/news/15159336/detail.html?dl=headlineclick
The Chicago Tribune had an article this morning that the driver was a 70 plus year old male driving drunk and who was pulled from his car by a passerby just before the first Metra train (eastbound) hit his car (which burst into flames) and pushed it into the path or the other (westbound) Metra train. Some other Metra trains were cancelled and many had up to 2.5 hour delays.
… “allegedly” driving drunk, James. We don’t need to hear from his friends, like we did about the crossing-jumper in Wisconsin. [(-D]
Which the newspaper has yet to follow up despite several requests in the three months since the story first ran. Maybe he’s related to one of their big advertisers. [:-^]
Yes, PZ, I should indeed have said “allegedly drunk”…thanks for setting the record straight…I certainly don’t want to seem politically incorrect!!!
I have relatives that live in Hinsdale. This crossing could be compared to a big H where 2 streets parallel the busy Racetrack. After crossing the track, you have to torn left/right. The crossing can be very tricky for sober drivers. It’s not a busy street. IMHO it’s a prime candidate to close the crossing.
In the local paper, they had a picture of what’s left of the SUV after being struck by both an EB & WB commuter. Lucky for Metra if there wasn’t some damage to the rail cars.
Jim and PZ, as you must know by now, this guy was more than “allegedly” drunk–he blew a pretty high number.
I also note with a certain amount of satisfaction that he was charged with trespassing as well as DUI.
Carl, PZ and I were being very, very facetious with our comments and…YES…I suspected all along that he was DUI (one just had to look at his picture to tell he has abused himself quite a lot)…and I agree with your satisfaction related to his being charged with trespassing and DUI.