Fatal Train Accident in Freeburg

According to police, a delivery truck driver was killed Friday afternoon when the truck crossed into the path of an oncoming train in Freeburg. The accident occurred shortly after 12:30 pm at Illinois Route 15 and Lanter Lane on the north side of Freeburg.

According to Freeburg Police Chief Stanley Donald, the truck was driving east on Lanter when it drove onto the tracks and was hit by a southbound Canadian National Railway freight train.

Donald said the victim appeared to be in his 40s, but identification is withheld until family can be notified. He was ejected from the truck and died at the scene. No one else was hurt.

Police believe the man was coming back from a delivery on Lanter Lane when he hit the train. The train engineer told officials the truck driver didn’t seem to notice the train or hear the emergency whistle. The crossing has no sign, lights or gate, and police are still investigating the accident.