Police probe discovery of body on BNSF tracks in Naperville

Authorities are investigating circumstances surrounding a body being found on the BNSF tracks near downtown Naperville early Tuesday.

The body was reported to Metra police by a freight train crew, which spotted it near Loomis Street and 5th Avenue at about 4 a.m.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Metra spokesperson Meg Thomas-Reile said.

The grim discovery snarled morning commutes for hundreds of riders. Trains were halted in both directions until service resumed at about 6:50 a.m.

Officials canceled at least nine trains and numerous rush-hour trains were delayed.

“The last Metra trains through the area were an inbound train that departed Aurora at 11:22 p.m. and outbound train that arrived in Aurora at 1:29 a.m.,” Thomas-Reile said.

Police also are looking into freight train movements since it was unknown how many passed through the area overnight.

The BNSF is Metra’s busiest train line.

mpyke@dailyherald.com