Motorist killed in Wood Dale after Metra collision

Police say Edward Metelica, 86, of Wood Dale, was killed Thursday after driving through a railroad crossing gate and being struck by a Metra train.

Wood Dale Deputy Chief Greg Vesta said the crash occurred at the Ash and Irving Park Road crossing, just seven blocks east of the city's deadly crossing at Wood Dale and Irving Park roads.

Police said Metelica's car was struck about 11 a.m. by a westbound commuter train. The preliminary investigation indicates he drove through the warning signal arm and onto the tracks.

Police do not have information on the car's mechanical condition and said roadway conditions didn't play a role in the accident.

Detectives are reconstructing the accident as part of their investigation.

Traffic was interrupted for about three hours.