Metra train strikes vehicle; 2 dead, 4 injured

Two women died and four other people were injured when a Metra train struck a vehicle Monday afternoon near the Chicago border with southwest suburban Hometown, officials said.

Juniel Kemp, 20, who was sitting in the front seat, and 18-year-old Alexis Kemp were both killed, authorities said.

Both women were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where they were both pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Juniel Kemp lived in the 6900 block of South Lowe, while Alexis Kemp lived in the 6400 block of South Oakley.

A 3-year-old boy, 17-year-old boy, 17-year-old girl and 20-year-old man were also injured in the crash, according to Metra spokesman Michael Gillis.

The four were taken to Christ Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital, Hometown police said.

Outbound Metra Southwest Service train No. 815, scheduled to arrive in Manhattan at 1:57 p.m., struck a vehicle near 87th and Pulaski about 1:20 p.m., according to Metra.

Witnesses told police the train signals went down behind the vehicle and it couldn’t get around because of the snow, according to Hometown police.

No passengers on the train were injured, according to the Hometown Fire Department.