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Woman dies after being hit by Metra train in Elgin

A woman who was struck by a Metra train Thursday morning in downtown Elgin has died, authorities said.

The woman reportedly tripped and fell before she was struck at about 6:30 a.m. at the Milwaukee District West Line stop along Chicago Street, Elgin Fire Battalion Chief Rich Carter said.

She was conscious and talking to paramedics before she was taken in critical condition to Presence St. Joseph Hospital, Carter said.

She later died from her injuries, Metra spokeswoman Sylvia Cooper said Thursday afternoon.

The woman was identified as Tawanda Williams, 45, of Carpentersville by ABC 7 Chicago.

Carter said a witness said the woman got off a Pace bus and was crossing the tracks walking west on Chicago Street when she tripped. The accident forced the temporary closure of Chicago Street between Route 31 and the Fox River.

Carter said it was not clear whether the gates were coming down while the woman was crossing the tracks.

"When we were there, the gates were down and the train was stopped," he said. "We had police officers underneath the train trying to help this woman."

Elgin Police Cmdr. Ana Lalley referred all questions to Metra, who said they are investigating.

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