Two west suburban elementary students killed in fiery crash with train, district says

"Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow we feel as we mourn this devastating loss," the district superintendent said.

The Details

Two elementary students were killed Wednesday when the vehicle they were traveling in was struck by a train in Western Springs, the superintendent of the children’s west suburban school district said in a statement.

"We are heartbroken to share that two Pleasantdale Elementary students lost their lives this morning in a train crash in Western Springs. Our deepest condolences go out to the family as our entire school community mourns this tragic loss," said Dave Palzet, Superintendent of Pleasantdale School District 107, in a statement sent to NBC Chicago.

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The deadly collision took place around 8 a.m. when an Amtrak train traveling from Chicago to Quincy struck a vehicle on the tracks at Wolf Road, officials said. The two kids were killed, and a third person was transported to a nearby hospital. A large plume of smoke could be seen rising from the fiery crash in the aftermath.

Staff and homeroom students of Pleasantdale School District, which encompasses kindergarten through eighth grade, were informed of the incident by school social workers on Wednesday afternoon, though Palzet said the district is not releasing the names of the students or their ages.

"Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow we feel as we mourn this devastating loss," Palzet said in a message on the district's website. "It is our intention to create the safest emotional space for your child to process this loss. Our crisis response team met with students and staff today and will be available to communicate with students over the coming days and weeks."

Counselors and crisis staff will be at Pleasantdale Elementary on Thursday to continue to support staff and students, Palzet said. He also encouraged parents to talk with their kids about the deadly incident.

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Video and photo from the scene showed the car destroyed on the train tracks.

"This loss will affect everyone in our school family and in the greater Pleasantdale school community. Students may have difficulty dealing with these losses, and we encourage you to talk with your child," he said. "Reaffirm that your child is safe and loved. Affirm that your child’s reaction is normal, that you understand how the child feels, and that they are allowed to feel that way."

He also encouraged parents to allow their kid to talk about their feelings, and suggested writing notes or letters as a way kids could more easily express feelings they may be experiencing for the first time.

"Tell the truth. Talk about death vs. “going to sleep.” Watch for behavioral changes, such as aggression or withdrawal/isolation. Help the children return to as normal a routine as possible," he said.