Driver injured when vehicle struck by freight train in Des Plaines

A driver was injured when a freight train struck his vehicle early Wednesday in northwest suburban Des Plaines.

The 60-year-old man was driving south on Graceland Avenue when he made a left turn onto the tracks and got stuck about 40 feet onto the tracks about 1:45 a.m., according to Des Plaines Police Chief Bill Kushner.

The conductor of the northbound train said he saw the vehicle’s headlights on the tracks, hit the emergency brake and slowed to about 15 miles per hour before the impact, Kushner said. The vehicle was pushed about 60 feet from the tracks and stopped at Graceland and Oakwood avenues.

The driver was extricated from the vehicle and taken in good condition to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Des Plaines Fire Department Chief Alan Wax said.

He suffered a large cut to his head but was conscious at the scene and talking to officers, though the reason for the crash remains unknown, Kushner said.

No other injuries were reported.

The railroad checked the train and tracks for safety, Kushner said.

The train proceeded about 3:30 a.m., Canadian National Railroad spokesman Patrick Waldron said.