High school student killed by Metra UP-NW train in Chicago's northwest suburbs
BARRINGTON, Ill. (CBS) – A high school student was struck and killed by a Metra Union Pacific Northwest train Thursday morning in Barrington, causing extensive delays, and trains on three other Metra lines were delayed because of an Amtrak signal problem at Union Station.
Metra confirmed a person was struck by an inbound UP-NW train near Barrington around 7:45 a.m.
She has since been identified as 17-year-old Marin Lacson of Barrington by the Lake County Coroner's Office. Marin was a student at Barrington High School, and was trying to get to school at the time.
Late Thursday, balloons marked the spot where Marin died after she was hit by the second of two passing trains. Metra workers were also back at the intersection about seven hours after the incident.
Video from immediately after the accident shows a Metra train stopped on the tracks while first responders blocked traffic for hours.
A Metra spokesperson confirmed the rail agency was investigating exactly what happened. But initial witnesses said the gates were down at the time.
A high school community mourns
Word spreading quickly about the loss of the well-liked, outgoing junior at Barrington High School. Megan Morris' daughter, Katy, was friends with Marin.
"I could hear this conversation, and then I could hear Katy's voice through the phone upstairs – screaming," Morris said.
Morris said her daughter was so close with Marin that the girls were planning a summer vacation to Italy together.
"Very outgoing - really just big plans," said Morris. "You know, she was just a planner. She wanted to do a lot with her life. She was a force."
Marin's group of friends has now been left to mourn the sudden loss of one of their own.
"This is tragedy for our family, and for so many people - and it could've been prevented," Morris said. "It's not – it's unnecessary tragedy. It's an unnecessary tragedy."
Morris wondered Thursday whether the fog played a part in Marin's death. She questioned whether more can be done to slow trains before and after the school bell - and whether the village could implement more security measures.
"I mean, there should be people at all these spots where they could potentially get hit," Morris said. "I don't understand how foggy day can take a life that quickly."
A Metra spokesperson said witnesses reported the crossing gates were down when Marin stepped onto the tracks.
Barrington Police Chief David Dorn said his department is already talking about potential safety changes.
"One after one after one – these young girls coming out, just hysterically crying to their mothers because Marin meant so much to so many," Morris said. "This town is going to be rocked by this." Decisions about crossing guards are a joint decision between the village and school board.
Earlier, District 220 Superintendent Dr. Craig Winelman released the following statement to the community:
"It is with great sadness that I share with you the tragic news of the passing of one of our Barrington High School students," Winelman said. "This morning the student was walking to school when the student was accidentally struck by a train on Route 59 and Main Street. The student's family has been notified and is receiving support. Please know we are doing everything we can to help the BHS community cope with the student's passing. At this time additional Barrington 220 counselors are on hand at BHS for any student needing support. We have established a specific team of adults at BHS for the purpose of supporting all of our students during difficult times like this. Additional support is also available for students at all of our school buildings who may need to talk to someone. We are working with the Barrington Police Department and will provide further information as soon as we are able to do so. Our thoughts go out to the student's family during this very difficult time."
School leaders said Marin was a part of the Chinese Immersion Program and a member of the lacrosse team at Barrington High.
Trains snagged for the morning
Inbound and outbound UP-NW service near Barrington was halted for about two hours after the crash, but resumed around 9:45 a.m. Metra said some trains were still experiencing extensive delays as service resumed.
Meantime, an Amtrak signal problem at Union Station caused other significant delays on three other train lines during Thursday's morning commute.
Trains on the North Central Service, Milwaukee District-North, and Milwaukee District-West experienced extensive delays due to the signal issue at Union Station.
Riders can check Metra's website site for updates.
