Train collision kills 2 in Oak Forest, Illinois

Train collision kills 2 in Oak Forest, Illinois

2011-07-22 12:49:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (BNO NEWS) -- At least two people were killed when a train crashed into a car in the state of Illinois, officials said Thursday.

The accident occurred at around 4 p.m. local time, as a Rock Island Line Metra train traveling up to 60 miles per hour crashed into a car at a rail crossing between the Tinley Park and Oak Forest station, officials told the Chicago Tribune.

The two fatal victims were both women who were riding in the car, which was completely smashed. The women have not been identified. The train was heading toward Chicago and was carrying 89 passengers, of which seven were taken to a local hospital to receive medical treatment due to minor injuries.

The lead car of the train was knocked off the track due to the impact. As a result, the train tracks will have to be repaired before Metra reopens and resumes normal service.

Local authorities were still working at the scene three hours after the incident occurred near 167th Street and Central Avenue, but the reason of the incident remains uncertain. Officials will be reviewing the train's event recorder, which is similar to an aircraft's black box.

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