The identity of the person struck has not yet been released, but police say it is a man in his 50s from Wheaton. The investigation into the incident and the moments that led up to this accident are still ongoing, but police say this is not a criminal investigation, no one pushed this man in front of the train.
"It happened all that fast," said James Carter.
Carter was one of several commuters who witnessed the accident that claimed the life of the west suburban man at the height of the morning rush hour.
Witnesses tell authorities the man was standing near a yellow warning line on the platform of Metra's Wheaton Front Street station when he somehow made contact with an outbound commuter train.
"No one was around him. They talked to him, thought something was a little strange with him. They left him alone," said Daniel Sullivan, witness.
Authorities say the man was fatally struck.
Last week, a southwest suburban woman died after she came in contact with a Metra express train in Western Springs. Some commuters say, despite the incident, Metra train platforms are as safe as people allow them to be.
"They have been quite a safe place. I have seen a few people running through the gates even though they are down, and that's not good. But also sometimes when there are police officers on the other side, actually if you cross the gates, they will ticket you," said Brandon Jafari, commuter.
Friday morning, there were plenty of delays on the Union Pacific West Line ; trains in both directions were stopped. But trains should be ok for Friday afternoon's rush hour.
