Driver struck by Metra train in Round Lake Park expected to recover, while police await toxicology results
Round Lake Park police said a driver who was critically injured after he drove around crossing gates and in front of a Metra commuter train early Saturday is now in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Police Chief George Filenko said the 46-year-old Gurnee man underwent surgery Saturday.
The man faces a possible DUI charge, Filenko said.
"We're waiting for the toxicology results from the Major Crash Assistance team," he said. "We'll be consulting with the state's attorney on possible charges. We're not going to jump to conclusions yet."
Still, police believe alcohol was involved.
"We're going to sit down and review all the circumstances and the video tapes," he added.
As soon as the man is capable enough, he will be interviewed by police. The driver also faces a ticket for driving around downed railroad gates, Filenko said.
The driver's vehicle was struck by a northbound train about 1:45 a.m. at Route 134 and Porter Drive. Area fire departments had to extricate the man from the four-door Oldsmobile Alero. He was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.
About 50 passengers were on the special Lollapalooza train, according to Filenko. No one on the train was injured and it continued north after a one-hour delay.