Four Injured in Illinois at Dangerous, Unguarded BNSF Crossing
(Greenville, Illinois – February 19, 2024)
Four individuals were injured after their vehicle was struck by a BNSF freight train at a dangerous, unguarded railroad crossing just north of Greenville, Illinois. The wreck occurred at about 1:40 pm at the BNSF and Ski Club Road crossing.
According to reports, three injured adults were airlifted from the scene, one taken to St. Louis University Hospital and two going to Barnes Hospital. The fourth occupant, a juvenile, was transported by ambulance to HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville for treatment.
BNSF operates an average of four trains through this crossing daily at typical speeds of sixty miles per hour. The BNSF tracks intersect the roadway at a skewed angle with the tracks curving to the south. There is also heavy vegetation in the northwest and southwest quadrants of the crossing. However,
The crossing where this collision occurred is not equipped with any active warning devices, such as lights and gates. BNSF and Operation Lifesaver know that the installation of lights and gates at these unprotected crossings saves lives. It is virtually certain that the addition of lights and gates could have prevented this tragedy. Studies that have been conducted over fifty years ago confirm that lights and gates offer the ability to drastically reduce the number of vehicle/train collisions by as much as 96%.
The crash is being investigated by the Bond County Sheriff’s Department.