Aaron Pittman-Teague Killed In Iroquois County Train Accident

Unsafe Premises - January 10, 2025

IDOT Snowplow Driver Aaron Pittman-Teague Died In Iroquois County Train Accident Near Danforth Railroad Crossing

DANFORTH, ILLINOIS (January 9, 2025) – An IDOT snowplow driver identified as Aaron Pittman-Teague has tragically died after his vehicle was hit by a train near Danforth.

Iroquois County officials are saying that the accident took place on Monday. A snowplow driven by Aaron Pittman-Teague  was crossing U.S. Route 45 and County Road 2300 North.

The snowplow was struck by a Canadian National freight train. The crossing does not have bar gates or any warning lights.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Aaron Pittman-Teague was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Danforth community members are calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission to take action.

Funding for a gate was previously approved in February 2024. It remains unclear why it hasn’t been installed at this time.

A Google Maps Street View of the accident site shows that both sides of the train tracks are heavily obscured by trees and foliage just a few hundred feet out.

Liability for Iroquois County Train Accidents

Train accidents are unfortunately quite common. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 995 in 2023, a 10% increase from the 2022 revised total of 908 and the highest since 2007. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,705, a 3% increase from the 2022 revised total of 6,513.” There are a number of factors that may contribute to a train accident.

• Train accidents are far more likely to occur at crossings that lack gates and warning signals.
• Train accidents may occur because the train operator was speeding through a residential area.
• Foliage, buildings, or other obstructions that create blind spots near train crossings can easily contribute to a train accident.

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any train accident. For example, the company that operates a train could be held at fault. Train operators have a legal obligation to scan the tracks ahead of them and take evasive action in order to avoid hazards. If a train operator fails to slow down to avoid hitting a truck or other vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

A municipal entity or business such as the Illinois Central Railroad could potentially be liable for a train accident. This may be the case if a train accident was caused by a dangerous condition on their property. This may include instances where a railroad crossing lacks clearly needed safety features. It is important that certain steps are taken after any train accident.

• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• The history of collisions at the intersection should be understood.
• Medical records related to any injuries should be collected.
• The actions of train operators leading up to the crash should be reviewed.

Many train accidents are preventable. They tend to occur at railroad crossings that lack crossing gates and lights. Sadly, though, companies and municipal agencies will often delay putting up these gates until some tragedy occurs. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. In particular, the family of any person who died in a train accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Iroquois County Train Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Aaron Pittman-Teague. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that a gate with lights will be installed at this location. Had the gate and warning lights been installed earlier, this tragedy may have been averted.

Do you need more information about an Iroquois train accident? Our team of train safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that companies and government agencies are doing everything in their power to prevent collisions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.