A contractor removing snow from a Naperville train station was killed when a freight train struck the snow-removal equipment that the man was operating, according to city officials.
Naperville police and fire officials responded to the station at 105 E. 4th Ave. on Monday evening, following the collision, according to a statement from City Manager Doug Krieger.
Authorities determined that the contractor was operating the snow removal equipment on the station’s south platform when an eastbound freight train struck the device.
The contactor, whose identity wasn’t released, died from his injuries. “This is a profound tragedy, and on behalf of the City of Naperville, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Krieger said in a statement.
“Our employees and contractors deliver vital services to the community daily, and their safety is of paramount importance to us. The loss of life in this manner is heartbreaking.”
The station where the collision occurred serves Metra’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains, as well as Amtrak routes. Metra police were handling the investigation, according to Krieger.