Man In Serious Condition After Intentionally Driving Onto Train Tracks: Police

LAKE FOREST, IL — A freight train struck a vehicle Friday morning in Lake Forest, hospitalizing the driver in serious condition, according to police.

At 11:35 a.m., The Lake Forest police and fire departments responded to a report of an incident between a vehicle and a freight train near Old Mill Road and Waukegan Roads. The train, a Kansas City Southern train traveling from Milwaukee to Bensenville, was traveling southbound when it struck the car.

The driver of the vehicle, a 50-year-old man, was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville in serious condition.

Police said preliminary investigation results led them to believe the man drove onto the track intentionally. No other individuals were injured.

The affected railroad shares service with the Metra Milwaukee District North and the Amtrak Hiawatha Lines. Traffic was temporarily stopped, but is continuing on one track now.

Roads near where the incident took place remain closed until the investigation at the scene is complete and the train is removed.

"If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available,” said Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke. “The Lake Forest Police Department’s Social Worker can help connect individuals with mental health resources and community services.”

Residents can also contact the Lake County Crisis Care Program at (847) 377-8088, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program can provide crisis counseling and connect individuals with the County's Mobile Response Team.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.