A MetroLink train crashed into a car Sunday in Washington Park. Here’s what happened

The collision between a car and MetroLink train Sunday happened when the vehicle drove around crossing gates along the track in Washington Park, according to Talby Roach, MetroLink’s president and CEO.

In explaining what happened that caused the collision, this is what Roach stated Monday: “A northbound motorist drove around the crossing gates on Kingshighway in Washington Park yesterday afternoon. That car ran into the side of the train, middle- way back of the train car, causing the center wheel set to be pushed off the rails, but the front and rear wheels on the MetroLink train remained on the rails.”

Roach said the train was towed back to the nearby MetroLink yard afterward.

The car burst into flames after the collision.

The driver of the car and one other person were critically injured and taken to the hospital, Assistant Chief Ronnie Harris of the Washington Park Fire Department said Sunday.

Asked about train passengers, Roach said Monday six were taken to the hospital afterward at their request. Plus, “all operators involved in accidents are taken to the hospital to be checked out and have to undergo a routine drug test,” Roach said.

Asked about the damage cost to the involved train, Roach replied, “Damage too the MetroLink train is still being assessed at this time and will remain out of service until it is repaired and determined to be safe to be put back into service”.

East St. Louis police are also investigating the accident. An update on the police investigation was not available Monday.

This story was originally published March 21, 2022 at 5:45 PM.