Blue Island, IL (November 28, 2025) – A CSX freight train hit a car near Broadway Street on Wednesday evening, November 26. The crash happened around 6:11 p.m. close to the Broadway Street area in Blue Island.
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Officials said the train struck the vehicle with two people inside. Jair Ortega, age 19, suffered fatal injuries at the scene. The second person in the car sustained critical injuries. Paramedics rushed that person to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
No one on the train crew reported injuries. The company is working with local police as they review what led up to the collision.
Investigators have not released details about how the car ended up on the tracks. Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
Our thoughts are with Jair Ortega’s loved ones during this painful time, and we hope the injured person makes a full recovery.
Train Accidents in Illinois
Train collisions can cause severe harm because of the size and speed of freight trains. Even at lower speeds, a train can crush a passenger vehicle in seconds. In towns like Blue Island, tracks often cross busy local streets. That mix raises the risk of serious injuries when something goes wrong.
Many factors can lead to a train crash. Common issues include:
- Railroad crossing equipment malfunctions or does not activate in time.
- Track areas lack clear sightlines because of curves, buildings, or overgrown vegetation.
- Lighting near the crossing is weak, making trains harder to see at dusk or night.
- Roadway design near the tracks creates confusion about where to stop safely.
- Trains move through densely populated areas with frequent crossings and limited warning space.
- Weather like rain, fog, or snow reduces visibility and changes braking conditions for both trains and vehicles.
After a collision, injured people and their families face more than medical care. They often deal with lost income, long recoveries, and emotional trauma. When a death occurs, families may also struggle with funeral costs and sudden financial gaps. Cases tied to train accidents can involve several parties, such as rail companies, contractors, or agencies that control crossings. A careful investigation can show whether a safety failure played a role.
Compensation may cover emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, future medical needs, and time missed from work. In fatal cases, families may seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of support, and the impact of losing a loved one. A wrongful death lawyer can gather records, speak with witnesses, review crossing data, and work with experts who understand rail safety.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a train crash, we encourage you to get guidance quickly. At Ankin Law we know how overwhelming these cases feel, and we are ready to help you understand your options.
Call Ankin Law at (844) 600-0000 for a free consultation with a compassionate attorney today.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
