One Person Killed In Elgin Train Accident With Landscaping Truck

Wrongful Death - October 27, 2025

Neighbors Expressed Concerns Over Crossing Before Fatal Elgin Train Accident at State Street North of Locust Street

ELGIN, ILLINOIS (October 27, 2025) – One person has died and two people were injured in an Elgin train accident near a railroad crossing at State Street and Locust Street.

Kane County officials are saying that the accident took place around 6:30 AM on Thursday. A Union Pacific train was heading through the crossing when it collided with a landscaping truck.

Paramedics and firefighters were called to the scene to help all of the victims. Sadly, one person in a landscaping truck died due to their injuries.

Two other people sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. The National Transportation Safety Board is one of the agencies investigating the crash.

One neighbor said that this is the third accident at the crossing that they can recall.

Liability for Kane County Train Accidents

Train operators have a legal obligation to exercise caution to avoid collisions. Trains have speed limits in much the same way that cars do. They may need to slow down below certain speed limits during periods of reduced visibility. Train conductors must also continuously scan the tracks ahead of them for hazards. If a train conductor fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a vehicle, this may be construed as negligence. There are many potential causes of train accidents.

• Operator Error: Train operators may be distracted or otherwise fail to obey signals.
• Mechanical Failures: A train may malfunction due to faulty brakes or worn components.
• Infrastructure Defects: There may have been latent defects with the tracks or crossing gates at any particular road intersection.

If a train operator fails to adhere to safety regulations and causes a car accident, the company that they worked for could potentially be held at fault. As a general rule, employers can be held vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties. This will normally include situations where a train is transporting passengers from one location to another for a fee.

Steps to Take After an Illinois Train Accident

Many people are killed or seriously injured in train accidents every year. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2024, a 1% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 967. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,542, a 3% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 6,768. From 2023 to 2024, fatalities at highway-rail crossings increased 7%, while fatalities involving other types of incidents decreased 4%.” It is important that victims of train accidents take certain steps to protect their rights.

• Police Report: the police should be called to the scene as soon as possible so that they can begin an investigation.
• Evidence Preservation: All of the physical evidence related to the crash should be properly documented and preserved.
• Independent Review: The unique circumstances around any particular train accident should be independently reviewed by a team with ample experience in tort claims.

Depending on the unique facts of any case there could be numerous liable parties for any train accident. This includes the corporate or municipal entity responsible for any set of train tracks. A city could potentially be liable for a train accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition on public property. In particular, a railroad crossing may have an obstructed line of sight that prevents drivers from being able to adequately see oncoming trains.

Investigating Illinois Train Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who died in this Elgin train accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to help make this intersection safer.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Elgin train accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We cared deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.