Two elementary school students killed in train v. car collision in western Cook County suburbs

The quiet morning of Wednesday, November 11, 2026, shattered in Western Springs when an Amtrak train collided with a car at a railroad crossing, tragically claiming the lives of two young students from Pleasantdale Elementary School. The accident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. at the Wolf Road crossing, also left an adult seriously injured and brought rail traffic on the line to a complete standstill. While details remain under investigation, the incident has deeply shaken the community, leaving families and neighbors grappling with a profound sense of loss and prompting a surge of support for those affected.

What Happened

According to a news release from the Village of Western Springs, an Amtrak train traveling westbound from Chicago to Quincy made contact with a vehicle that was on the tracks at Wolf Road. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago with serious injuries. ABC7 Chicago reported that two people died in the collision, and the driver was hospitalized. The Pleasantdale School District 107 confirmed that two of its elementary students were among those killed, though the district, led by Superintendent Dave Palzet, has withheld their names and ages “out of respect for the family’s privacy.” Amtrak released a statement saying train No. 381 made contact with the vehicle “just west of La Grange,” and that there were no injuries to the 35 passengers or crew onboard. Metra initially halted all trains on the BNSF line and advised riders to seek alternative transportation for the evening commute, before resuming limited service later that day.

Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with a large plume of smoke visible for miles. Mike Struglinski, who was at a nearby bank, reported hearing the crash. Chopper 7 footage from ABC7 Chicago showed the wreckage at the scene. The incident prompted a swift response from emergency services and local authorities, who are working to determine the cause of the collision. According to officials, BNSF trains 1231, 1233, 1239, 1305, 1253, 1255, 1261, 1279, 1301, and 1262 were canceled as a result of the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to launch an investigation into the accident, examining factors such as the crossing’s safety features and any potential mechanical issues. While the investigation is ongoing, residents are left to mourn the loss of two young lives and grapple with the fragility of safety on our roadways and railways. The Village of Western Springs has established resources for those impacted by the tragedy, including counseling services at Village Hall.

Community Reaction

The news of the tragedy has sent waves of grief and shock through the Pleasantdale community and beyond. Superintendent Palzet addressed the school community in a letter, stating, “Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow we feel as we mourn this devastating loss.” He emphasized the district’s commitment to providing support for students and staff, with counselors and crisis staff present at Pleasantdale Elementary School on Thursday. The district’s website now offers guidance for parents on how to talk to their children about the loss, encouraging open communication and reassurance. “It is our intention to create the safest emotional space for your child to process this loss,” Palzet wrote.

A makeshift memorial has sprung up outside the train station in downtown Western Springs, with residents leaving flowers and cards as a tribute to the young victims. ABC7 Chicago reported that social workers are available at Village Hall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday to offer assistance to anyone who witnessed the accident or is struggling to cope with the loss.

Support for Families

The Pleasantdale School District 107 is actively working to provide emotional support to students and their families. Counselors are available at the school, and the district is encouraging parents to create a safe and supportive environment at home. Resources are also available online, offering guidance on how to address children's grief and anxiety. The district’s commitment to providing compassionate care underscores the importance of supporting families during this incredibly difficult time. The emphasis on open communication and emotional validation is vital for helping children navigate the complexities of grief and loss. Parents are encouraged to “reaffirm that your child is safe and loved,” according to district guidance.

What's Next

The immediate focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and the Pleasantdale Elementary School community. Counseling services will continue to be available, and school officials are working to ensure a return to normalcy as soon as possible. The investigation into the cause of the accident is also underway, with the NTSB expected to release its findings in the coming months. This investigation will be crucial in determining whether any changes are needed to improve safety at railroad crossings in the area.

Beyond the immediate aftermath, there are important conversations to be had about railroad safety and the preventative measures that can be taken to avoid future tragedies. While the specifics of this incident remain under investigation, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with railroad crossings and the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. The community will undoubtedly be looking for answers and assurances that steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. FBI Railroad Security also investigates railroad crimes.

Evelyn's Take

The loss of two young children is a wound that will linger long in this community. It’s heartbreaking to consider the futures stolen, the potential unrealized. While investigations will seek to determine the “what” and “how” of this tragedy, it’s important that we, as neighbors, focus on the “why” – why we must prioritize safety and support one another during times of profound sorrow. The outpouring of grief and the immediate offers of assistance speak to the strength of our community’s character. It's a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the bonds of faith, family, and shared values can provide solace and a path forward.

This tragedy also prompts reflection on the importance of stable families and supportive communities. While we cannot know the specific circumstances surrounding these children’s lives, we know that children thrive when they are surrounded by loving homes, strong schools, and caring adults. The emotional toll on their classmates, teachers, and families will be significant, and it’s vital that we provide them with the resources and support they need to heal. Let us remember these precious lives by recommitting ourselves to building a community where every child feels safe, valued, and loved.

As we move forward, I hope we can learn from this experience and work together to enhance railroad safety measures and provide even greater support for families facing tragedy. The loss of these two young girls is a profound reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Let us honor their memory by living lives filled with compassion, kindness, and a commitment to making our community a better place for all.

Resources

The Village of Western Springs has established several resources for those affected by the train crash:

• Counseling Services: Available at Village Hall on Thursday, November 12, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Pleasantdale School District 107: Counselors and crisis staff are available at Pleasantdale Elementary School. Contact the school district office for more information. Pleasantdale School District 107
• Metra: For information on train schedules and service updates, visit Metra.com.
• Amtrak: For information on Amtrak services and updates, visit Amtrak.

Parents seeking guidance on how to talk to their children about the tragedy can find helpful resources online from organizations such as the National Center for Children in Grief and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The community’s resilience and commitment to supporting one another will be crucial in navigating this difficult time. By working together and providing compassionate care, we can honor the memory of the young victims and help the Pleasantdale community heal and move forward.