Woman seen crawling under Metra train in Chicago suburb, Hinsdale police release video to share awareness for rail safety week
Share and Follow

HISNDALE, Ill. (WLS) — Hinsdale police released video of a commuter crawling under a stopped train to make it on board.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Police said it happened at the Garfield Crossing in the downtown area on Monday at about 8:20 a.m.

The video shows a woman dangerously crawling under a stopped train, police said.

The presumption is she was racing to get onto the inbound Chicago train on the other side of the tracks.

“We do on occasion see people go underneath trains. Sometimes with stopped freights they’ll climb over the ladders between cars,” Hisndale police Sgt. Thomas Krefft said.

There is a national push this week to raise awareness about rail safety in Illinois.

Dr. Lanny Wilson, lost his 14-year-old daugher Lauren in 1994, when the car she was a passenger in collided with a train in Hinsdale after going through a downed gate.

He’s since made it his life’s work to promote rail safety. He is also the chairman for the DuPage Railroad Safety Council.

“At railroad crossings we’re doing much better. Today there’s only about a third of the deaths at crossings than there were the day she died,” Wilson said.

Some of the improvements include better engineering, like four quadrant gates, education and enforcement.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

The biggest challenge now, is trying to reduce the number of people determined to use moving trains as a way to take their own lives.

Increased access to mental health resources is a key component of that, but there are other things that municipalities and rail safety experts are focusing on.

As for that woman in the video, police do not know who she is.

Police now reminding the public that anyone caught crossing the tracks faces a mandatory court date and a minimum $250 fine.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported, can spend Christmas with family

Mistakenly Deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia Reunites with Family for Christmas Celebration

BALTIMORE (AP) — Kilmar Abrego Garcia is finally able to enjoy the…
Christmas spirit returns to Jesus' birthplace after more than two years of war

Peace and Joy Resurface: Christmas Celebrations Revive in Jesus’ Birthplace After Years of Conflict

At long last, crowds descended upon Bethlehem to partake in Christmas festivities,…
More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care

Legal Showdown: Over a Dozen States Challenge HHS on Youth Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions

A legal challenge is unfolding as nineteen states, alongside the District of…
New charges against DC National Guard shooting suspect open death penalty door

New Charges Against DC National Guard Shooting Suspect Pave Way for Potential Death Penalty

An Afghan national, accused of the fatal shooting of two National Guard…
California farming tycoon arrested in wife's killing

Prominent California Agribusiness Magnate Detained in Shocking Wife Murder Case

A California agricultural magnate was taken into custody on Tuesday, accused of…
Newark Airport struck with ground delay on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Chaos: Newark Airport Faces Ground Delays Impacting Holiday Travelers

Newark Airport is experiencing significant ground delays as thousands rush to reunite…
Virginia family alleges bed bugs bit them during transatlantic flight, suing Delta and KLM airlines

Virginia Family Files Lawsuit Against Delta and KLM Airlines Over Alleged Bed Bug Bites During Transatlantic Flight

A family from Virginia has filed a lawsuit claiming they suffered bites…
Israeli hostages freed, Iran hit, ceasefire held — 2025 shattered idea that US was exiting the Middle East

2025 Middle East Dynamics: Israeli Hostage Release, Iran Strikes, and Ceasefire Challenge US Exit Assumptions

For many years, Washington has signaled intentions to diminish its presence in…