Bensenville woman trying to get to work killed by train

A 56-year-old Bensenville woman was struck and killed Thursday morning by a Metra train, authorities said.

Police said the woman was crossing the train tracks around 7:40 a.m. just west of Main and Addison streets when she was struck by an eastbound Milwaukee District West Line train. The train had left Barlett at 7:13 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 8:18 a.m. It was not scheduled to stop in Bensenville.

The victim was identified as Gail Przybyla, who was crossing the tracks to get to her job at a day care center.

Her husband Todd told ABC 7 Chicago that he drove his wife to work, but pleaded for her to stay in the car as the gates began to lower and bells rang.

“She took off before I could grab her. She tried to run across the tracks,” Todd Przybyla said. “Then I didn't see her. And then I prayed that she got into the building.”

He told ABC 7 his wife had worked at the day care center for about five years, and on Thursday, was arriving to work early to help a co-worker who was alone with children. Przybyla was previously a teacher for the Chicago Public Schools and a counselor in Michigan for special needs children.

“I know she would have liked me to help people so this won't happen to other people,” Todd Przybyla said. “These trains, they're going faster than we think, and it is the most dangerous thing you can do. Your life can be gone like that.”

Metra spokesman Tom Miller said the train was delayed for roughly an hour and a half.

Bensenville police, Metra police and the DuPage County coroner are investigating.