From the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts:
Freight Train Versus Vehicle Near Union
On Monday, November 4, 2024, at 5:13 p.m., the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts, Union Fire Protection District, and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported train-versus-vehicle collision at the Olson Road railroad crossing near Union.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed a stopped freight train and a heavily damaged pickup truck near the crossing.
The juvenile male driver, who had freed himself from the vehicle before crews arrived, was astoundingly uninjured.
After a brief evaluation by paramedics, he declined medical treatment.
The train crew also reported no injuries.
The eastbound train was cleared from the scene at 6:45 p.m., and the roadway reopened at 7:00 p.m.
This incident is a reminder of the importance of exercising caution when approaching rural railroad crossings, particularly those without gates.
Drivers are urged to look and listen carefully for oncoming trains, obey all posted signage, and proceed only when the tracks are clear.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash and any additional questions pertaining to the investigation (cause, fault, citations, speeds, etc.) should be referred to them.
The attached photos are courtesy of the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts.
