Belleville woman killed by train while jogging near MetroLink tracks
A woman was struck by a MetroLink train and killed in Swansea about 10:50 a.m. Sunday.
St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the victim as Jennifer McDonnell, 52, of Belleville. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 2810 Caseyville Road about 11:30 a.m.
Swansea Police Chief Matthew Blomberg said it appears McDonnell attempted to cross the tracks on foot while the crossing gates were down and was struck by an eastbound train, he said. The Greenways bicycle and pedestrian trail runs parallel to the tracks at that location.
Witnesses told police she was jogging in the area with her dog, Blomberg said.
Metro Transit released a statement from Taulby Roach, president and chief executive officer of Bi-State Development on Sunday night. Bi-State operates the region’s transportation service.
“On January 15, 2023, a tragic incident occurred at the Old Caseyville Road crossing in Swansea when a person was struck and killed by an eastbound MetroLink train. Despite active warning lights, bells, and the gates being in the down position, the person was seen entering the crossing from the north side, jogging behind her dog. Despite the train operator’s efforts to brake, the train was unable to stop before impact. The dog was unharmed and later located by local police officials.”
The tracks were closed between the Memorial Hospital and Swansea MetroLink stations for hours following the incident as Swansea Police and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department investigated. Passengers were shuttled by bus between stations. Service was delayed more than an hour for some, according to a MetroLink release.
Service resumed on schedule about 1:40 p.m.
Here’s the remainder of the statement from Roach:
“All of us at Metro Transit and the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners express our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who lost her life in this tragic incident. We understand the gravity of this situation and are fully cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation to understand the cause.
“The public is reminded of the importance of obeying warning signals at grade crossings for the safety of all. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the Metro Transit team, I would like to express our gratitude to the emergency responders, MetroLink Support Teams, and the train operator for their swift actions in this difficult situation.
“We understand the emotional toll this event has taken on the train operator, and we are providing support and resources to ensure her emotional well-being is taken care of and she has the necessary support to cope with this tragic event.”
This story was originally published January 15, 2023 at 5:04 PM.