Local News
3 killed after car crashes into freight train in Harvey, victims identified
No injuries were reported among the train crew or passengers, CSX stated.
A tragic crash in the south suburbs on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of three people, following a devastating collision with a freight train.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:31 p.m. near 152nd Street and Park Avenue in Harvey, close to Thornton Township High School.
Emergency crews spent about eight hours on the scene, investigating the deadly crash and its aftermath.
According to officials from CSX Transportation, a vehicle ignored the lowered crossing gates and collided with the side of a freight train.
The three individuals inside the vehicle suffered fatal injuries as a result of the impact.
The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as Kimberly Kimmy Kim, Crystal Jakubowski, and Keith (last name not released).
No injuries were reported among the train crew or passengers, CSX stated.
At this time, the exact circumstances leading up to the crash remain unclear. It is not yet known why the driver bypassed the crossing gates.
CSX, in cooperation with Illinois State Police and the Harvey Police Department, is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision.
Although Dolton police were present at the scene, CSX clarified that they are not handling the investigation.
As of now, no further details have been released, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the inquiry.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.