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Palatine police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 7:34 a.m. Tuesday after a Metra passenger train hit a car that apparently traveled past railroad gates and warning signals. Police and firefighters received a report that the trained dragged the vehicle past the Shell station. The crash impact occurred at Brockway Street and the vehicle was dragged about 1,000 feet to the Palatine Road crossing. The vehicle — a 1999 Mercury sedan — was reported to have been northbound on Brockway Street before the crash with the Metra train.
The driver of the Mercury is identified as Michael Levgard, 64, of Palatine, who was reported dead at the scene. His body was reported extricated about 8:00 a.m. after an extended extrication operation with a severely damaged vehicle. The victim’s body was released to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The first fire department crew arrived at 7:37 a.m. at the crash scene about 100 feet east of the Union Pacific railroad crossing and Palatine Road. Firefighter/paramedics immediately determined that the only occupant of the vehicle did not survive the crash. Trains were immediately ordered stopped in both directions by Palatine police and firefighter/paramedics.
More info on the crash …
The Cardinal Fatal Metra Train vs. Car Crash Stops at Northwest Line and Palatine Rd, Palatine