Teen killed when car struck by train in southwest Illinois town

A 16-year-old girl died in Randolph County on Friday after her car was struck by a train, according to information from Illinois State Police District 13.

Police did not identify the girl, other than to say she was from Prairie Du Rocher.

Around 5:30 p.m., the 16-year-old stopped at a railroad crossing at Duclos Street, near Berger Lane, in Prairie Du Rocher. According to state police, the crossing gates were down and lights were activated.

After yielding to a northbound train, the 16-year-old drove around the crossing gates and was struck in the passenger side by another train traveling south on a second set of tracks. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The train crew refused medical attention.

This story was originally published August 28, 2021 at 2:10 PM.