Pedestrian crossing tracks killed by train in downtown Naperville

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a freight train this morning while he was crossing the tracks near Naperville's downtown station.

The incident occurred at 8:51 a.m. at Loomis Street and the Metra Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks, city officials said.

Preliminary reports indicate the pedestrian was heading south across the tracks and wearing headphones when he was hit by a westbound train traveling at 55 mph, according to Nadja Lalvani, community relations manager for the city.

Steve Forsberg, spokesman for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, said gates and flashers on both the street and pedestrian crossing were working at the time.

"Train crews observed the individual walk around the down gate and look in the opposite direction down the track but he didn't look in the direction of the train," Forsberg said.

Train service in both directions was stopped temporarily as police and fire personnel investigated the scene. It has since resumed.

Commuters are advised to visit Metra's Web site at www.metrarail.com for updates or the city's Web site at www.naperville.il.us.