Jan. 22--Arlington Heights police said a motorist who allegedly drove around activated railroad gates at Northwest Highway and Euclid Avenue was killed Thursday afternoon when the SUV was struck by a Metra train.
The motorist, who was driving southeast on Northwest Highway, went around the activated gates at the Union Pacific Northwest line railroad crossing, and was struck while turning right on to Euclid Avenue at around 2:30 p.m., Arlington Heights Deputy Chief Miguel Hernandez said.
The SUV, which caught fire after the collision, was then pushed by the train another block east, ending up at Ridge Avenue, Hernandez said.
While none of the train's passengers were injured in the incident, Hernandez said some were moved to other cars on the train, which was still stopped at 4 p.m., with Northwest Highway shut down as well.
Police are not identifying the victim, pending notification of the next of kin.
Check back for details.
