Pennsylvania Trucker Charged In Metra Crash In Bartlett
BARTLETT, Ill. (STMW) -- A Pennsylvania truck driver was cited for a collision between a Metra train and semi truck that delayed service for hours on the Milwaukee District West Line Monday.
The semi, which was carrying a trailer with several cars on it, was heading southbound on Western Avenue as it crossed the tracks near Bartlett Road, Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said.
The semi did not have enough room to clear the tracks, and the trailer loaded with cars was lying across both tracks when the Metra train hit it, Reile said.
The driver, Volodimyr Matkivski, 41, of Warminster, Pa., was cited for ignoring a posted sign warning motorists about the 22-foot clearance between the tracks and Bartlett Road, Reile said.
He was also cited for making an illegal left turn as he drove through Bartlett before the collisison, Reile said.
Matkiyski works for Ace Management Company, based in Richboro, Pa. Reile said. He will appear at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse Nov. 18.
The 3:38 p.m. crash involving inbound Milwaukee West Line train No. 2242 happened near the Bartlett station, sending debris across both tracks and snarling train service for hours, officials said.
The crash injured two people -- both passengers on the train -- who were taken to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates with minor injuries, Bartlett police Cmdr. Michael McGuigan said. The driver of the semi was not hurt, he said.
Crossing gates and emergency lights appear to have been working at the time of the crash, a Metra official said.
Metra police continue to investigate the incident.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
