Driver Not Injured After Freight Train Hits Vehicle In McHenry County: Authorities

MARENGO, IL — A driver was not injured after a freight train struck a vehicle at a railroad crossing near Marengo last week, authorities said.

The incident was reported at about 7:2o a.m. on Sept. 17 at the Seeman Road railroad crossing, said Alex Vucha, public information officer for the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts.

When crews arrived, they could not locate the vehicle, but found debris consistent with a vehicle collision near the tracks and a stopped freight train west of the crossing.

After a brief search, responders located the vehicle and its adult female driver near Union Road and Ernesti Road in Huntley, Vucha said.

The driver was evaluated by Huntley Fire Protection District paramedics but declined additional medical treatment and transportation to a hospital. No injuries were reported among the train crew.

The freight train was operated by Union Pacific on its Belvidere Subdivision, which primarily handles local and regional freight traffic, according to Vucha. The line does not carry commuter or long-distance freight trains, and no significant rail delays were reported.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Officials did not immediately provide the driver's identity, the vehicle's make or model, the circumstances leading to the collision, or information about possible citations or charges.