3 dead after Amtrak train hits vehicle in Illinois
Posted July 13, 2009 11:00 pm
OTTAWA -- Three people have died after their vehicle was struck by a California-bound Amtrak train.
LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton said Monday that five people were in the vehicle when it was struck by the Amtrak train just before 3:07 p.m. Two other occupants were injured. Templeton says evidence shows the vehicle did not stop before crossing the tracks and was struck by the lead engine of the train.
Two of the deceased were identified as 82-year-old Benjamin Rasmusen and 81-year-old Marilyn Rasmusen of Leland. The third victim was not immediately identified.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari confirmed a vehicle was obstructing the tracks and says there were no injuries to passengers or staff aboard the train.
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