2nd pedestrian killed by Metra BNSF train in less than 24 hours in Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WLS) -- A pedestrian died after being struck by a Metra BNSF train on Tuesday morning, the agency said.

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The crash happened at about 7:30 a.m. near Main Street in Downers Grove.

Metra said it involved BNSF train No. 1228.

Police said the pedestrian was taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, where they died from their injuries.

A village spokesperson said the Main Street train crossing would be closed for investigation.

It is unknown how long delays will be in place.

An extra train was expected to accommodate passengers from Fairview Ave/Downers Grove to Chicago.

Train No. 1244 will also not operate temporarily.

On Monday evening, a train also struck a pedestrian in the same area.

Monday's crash was near Gilbert Avenue, and a Metra spokesperson said that person also did not survive.

READ ALSO | Metra train hits, kills man near Downers Grove Main St. station

Mark Zycinski was riding in both trains that hit someone, two days in a row.

"We got notice that there was a pedestrian incident, and there would be delays," the commuter said. "Fortunately enough, I live close enough to Main that they were able to get everybody off, and then that train stood for approximately two hours down the street from me. Fast-forward to this morning. We stopped a lot sooner than normal. So, I was like, this is weird, and then the announcement came that there was another incident."

Downers Grove police are assisting Metra police with both investigations.

In the 12 months from December 2023 to November 2024, 113 people died by suicide on railroad property in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This number only includes those designated as "trespassers": people who were prohibited from being on railroad property used in operations (like railroad tracks). That includes five in Illinois: three in Cook County, one in LaSalle County and one in DuPage County.

Since January 2019, 1,049 people died by suicide on railroad property in the U.S. That includes 77 suicide deaths in Illinois: 38 in Cook County, 12 in DuPage County and 10 in Lake County.

Illinois has the fifth highest number of trespassing-related suicides on railroad property in the country. However, Chicago and the surrounding areas have one of the densest networks of railway systems in the country.

Looking at the data for the nearly six years measured, 2023 had the highest number of trespassing-related suicides on railroad properties: 20.

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].