SOMER TOWNSHIP, IL (Chambana Today) – A crash between an Amtrak train and a passenger vehicle on Sunday resulted in one fatality in Champaign County.
According to a release from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 7:29 p.m. on Leverett Road in Somer Township.
Early investigation indicated that a vehicle, travelling eastbound, maneuvered around the crossing gates, and was struck by a northbound Amtrak train. The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, and at least one fatality has been confirmed inside the vehicle. There were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew members of the train.
The sheriff’s office is actively investigating the incident, and will release additional information as it becomes available. The public is asked to avoid the area while the investigation continues.