(The following report appeared at WBBM780.com on January 9.)
WAUKEGAN, Ill. — A Union Pacific conductor operating a Metra train was fatally struck by another Metra train while he was lying on the ground fixing a switch late Tuesday in Waukegan.
About 7:30 p.m., the conductor of a stopped, northbound Metra train was fatally struck by another northbound Metra train while he was lying on the ground aligning the switch, Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis said. The accident happened near the Waukegan station at Washington Street and Sheridan Road.
All Metra conductors operating trains on Union Pacific tracks are Union Pacific employees, Davis said.
“It is very difficult for us any time there is an injury or fatality,” Davis said. “Our Union Pacific employees are very proud of all our conductors and this is a very difficult time for them.”
Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller was withholding the victim’s name pending family notification. The man was pronounced dead on the scene, Keller said.
Inbound and outbound Metra-Union Pacific North Lines were delayed after the accident, but were running normally Wednesday morning.