Freight train strikes mail truck in Addison; trailer split in half

ADDISON, Ill. (WLS) -- A semi carrying mail was struck by a freight train in west suburban Addison. The force of the impact split the trailer in two. Postal workers collected letters and packages that spilled out after the crash.

On Thursday afternoon, the postal service says every piece of mail has been picked up. Several dozen postal workers and postal inspectors worked for hours to gather up all the mail which will be delivered by Friday, officials said.

Police said an outbound Canadian National train hit a northbound truck just before 4:50 a.m. Thursday at the Grace Street crossing between Belden and North Avenue.

Neither the driver nor the train conductor were seriously hurt.

"When the officers arrived on scene, they found the driver inside the vehicle. He was injured only minorly. He did not wish to be transported. The engineer on the train also did not want to be transported," said Sgt. Douglas Olson, Addison Police Department.

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U.S. postal inspectors and railroad officials are looking into whether the crash was caused by operator error or a gate malfunction.

Sources close to the investigation said initial reports indicate the semi was crossing the tracks when it was struck by the train, but this has not been confirmed by police. No charges have been filed.

North Grace Street between Belden and North Avenue reopened after being closed for several hours. The freight cars were also moved. The rail line will be operational on Thursday.