3 dead after crash involving vehicle, freight train in Harvey

HARVEY, Ill. - Three people were killed Wednesday afternoon when a freight train and a vehicle collided in south suburban Harvey, officials said.

The incident happened just after 12:30 p.m. at the Park Avenue railroad crossing near 153rd Street.

Officials with CSX, the freight railroad company, said the passenger vehicle bypassed the lowered railroad crossing gates and struck the side of a CSX freight train.

First responders arrived quickly but all three occupants of the vehicle were killed, officials said.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified one of the victims as 32-year-old Keith Walker, of Blue Island. The identities of the other two female victims have not yet been released.

"CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragedy, and we will work on scene to support local law enforcement as they continue to investigate," the train company said in part.

The vehicle involved in the collision was destroyed—left unrecognizable.

No other injuries were reported, including among crew members.

In the aftermath of the devastating accident, traffic came to a standstill in parts of Harvey. Given the length of the freight train, which was reportedly about a mile long, several nearby streets were impassable for hours.

Around 8 p.m. Wednesday, investigators wrapped up at the scene and the remaining debris was towed.  

The investigation will continue off-site.

At last check, Harvey officials told FOX 32 Chicago that the victims’ families were still being notified. Their names and ages are expected to be released at a later time.

The crash serves as a tragic reminder never to bypass lowered crossing gates, even if you think a train isn't coming.

According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), drivers and pedestrians should "always expect a train at each highway-rail intersection at any time." AAR also advises that it takes the average freight train traveling at 55 miles per hour more than one mile to stop. Plus, pedestrians and drivers should remember that a train can extend three feet or more beyond the steel rail.