Truck accident in Des Plaines delays Metra trains

A 30-foot box truck carrying office furniture overturned on train tracks in Des Plaines Friday night, causing Metra trains to be delayed and traffic in the area to be diverted.

The truck lost its load as it crossed the Union Pacific Northwest Line tracks at River Road about 7 p.m., according to Cmdr. Paul Burger of the Des Plaines Police Department.

The driver was able to get out of the truck cab on his own and was uninjured. The overturned truck blocked two of the three tracks.

Emergency crews were able to get the truck upright and move it away from the tracks within an hour of the accident, allowing Metra trains to resume normal operations.

Traffic was shut down on River Road between Thacker and Miner streets immediately after the accident and subsequent investigation.