Snow plow driver killed after struck by Metra train near Bartlett, disrupting service on MD-West line

The driver of a small snow plow has died after the vehicle was struck by a Metra Milwaukee District West train near the Bartlett station Monday morning.

Officials said an outbound train was approaching the Bartlett station when it struck what officials called a "small, private snow plow." around 8:35 a.m. Metra officials said no one on the train was injured.

Bartlett police said the snow plow driver, a 64-year-old Village of Bartlett Public Works employee, was injured and taken to St. Alexius Hospital where he later died. He has not yet been identified. 

"It's really sad," said Thad Tobolte, who was a passenger on the train. "One of the conductors said one of the village guys got killed. So I was stuck on the train for 40 minutes."

Tobolte, who works in Bartlett, said he had seen the employee who was killed in the area before after getting off Metra.

"I waved to him once in a while," he said.

The small snow plow cold be seen hanging off the edge of the outbound platform after the crash. It was not clear if the plow was clearing snow from the platform at the time of the incident. 

Bartlett Mayor Daniel Gunsteen released a statement after the employee's death, writing in part, "We offer our comfort, prayers, and full support to the Public Works Department and all Village staff, who are understandably devastated and shaken by the loss of their colleague, friend, and valued member of their work family."

He also offered his deepest condolences to the employee's wife, family and loved ones. 

"On behalf of the entire Village of Bartlett, we mourn this profound loss and stand with his family and our Public Works team in their grief," the statement concluded. 

Both inbound and outbound trains were affected for about half an hour before inbound train movement was restored, officials said. Outbound trains remain stopped and the train that struck the snow plow ill not operate past Bartlett. 

Inbound and outbound train service is also suspended between Big Timber Road/Elgin and Bartlett due to the ongoing investigation. Riders should seek alternate transport if possible. Metra did not say when they expected that stretch of track to reopen. 

Extensive delays are expected to continue. Riders can visit metra.com for the latest service alerts.

An investigation by the Metra Police Department is ongoing. Bartlett police said Metra is leading the investigation of the incident.