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Vehicle Occupants
Truckdriver—The driver was 48 years of age, were corrective lenses, and was licensed to operate a truck in Illinois. His traffic record was without notation of any driving violation or accident except for a minor collision in 1973.
He had driven for 33 years and had driven the truck involved in the accident for 4 to 5 years. He was familiar with Manhattan Road, but had not traveled through the accident area for more than 2 months prior to the day of the accident. The driver stated that although he was familiar with the crossing, he had never encountered a train there.
The driver was ejected from the truck after the collision, but he was not injured. He was not wearing the available seatbelt.
The truckdriver was charged with "Failure to obey a signal[1] indicating approach of a train," Section 111201 (3) of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Traincrew—The crew consisted of an engineer, a fireman, a conductor, and a flagman, who were employees of ICG and were subject to ICG operating rules. The food service attendant and other service personnel were employees of Amtrak and were subject to Amtrak operating rules.
The train was being operated in accordance with ICG rules and operating instructions. No members of the traincrew or service personnel were reported injured.
Train Passengers—Of the 132 passengers on the train, 41 reported injuries. Five of these were admitted to local hospitals; the most serious injury incurred by these passengers was a ruptured spleen. The remaining 56 injured passengers were treated and released. Most of their injuries consisted of head, chest, shoulder, back, and leg pains. These injuries probably occurred as the passengers were propelled laterally from left to right as the train left the track. Two passengers were cut by glass which came from shattered windows.
Four of the hospitalized passengers were interviewed. Two stated that they struck the service trays which were attached to the seat backs. At the time of the accident, the passengers were eating breakfast and the trays were down. Two others stated that they saw baggage falling from the overhead rack and striking other passengers; however, no injuries caused by falling baggage could be documented.
High-Speed Passenger Train Corridors
In the advent of Amtrak, rail passenger service has been reemphasized and 13 actual or potential high-speed railroad corridors have been opened.
- ↑ Train's audible warning.
