Two struck and killed by Metra trains

Two people were struck and killed by trains in separate incidents on Metra's Union Pacific-Northwest line Thursday morning, creating extensive delays and cancellations throughout the day.

Metra first halted traffic when an inbound train struck a vehicle near Northwest Highway and Nagle Avenue in Gladstone Park on Chicago's Northwest Side about 7:10 a.m. The vehicle's driver died in the crash, Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said.

Trains were just on the move again when an outbound train struck a pedestrian about 10:45 a.m. while pulling into the Crystal Lake Metra station, 70 E. Woodstock St. A 25-year-old man form Crystal Lake was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:09 a.m., the McHenry County coroner's office said in a news release.

The back-to-back crashes created a multitude of issues for Metra - ranging from a damaged train to crew members who weren't able to get the required rest. Delays and cancellations carried on throughout the day on both the Union Pacific Northwest Line, as well as cancellations on the Union Pacific-North line.

The train involved in the crash near Gladstone Park was traveling between 50 and 70 mph when it struck the vehicle, Reile said.

"Part of the problem with an incident like this was the train was expressing so the accident scene was extensive," she said.

The train also was damaged, she said.

"Once they released it we were able to get the train to Jefferson Park to let the passengers off," Reile said.

Witnesses at the scene in Crystal Lake told 911 operators a man walked into the train as it was coming into the station, coroner's officials said. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning. Crystal Lake and Metra police continue to investigate.