The collision occurred around 8 a.m. at the Wolf Road crossing, where an Amtrak train traveling from Chicago to Quincy hit the vehicle, according to officials. A third person in the car was taken to a nearby hospital. Video and photos from the scene showed the car destroyed on the tracks and a large plume of smoke rising from the fiery wreckage.

Superintendent Dave Palzet announced the deaths in a statement to families, saying the district is not releasing the students' names or ages.

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

Pleasantdale School District 107 serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. School social workers informed staff and homeroom students of the deaths Wednesday afternoon, and the district's crisis response team met with students and staff. Counselors and crisis staff will be on hand at Pleasantdale Elementary on Thursday to continue supporting the school community.

"Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow we feel as we mourn this devastating loss," Palzet said in a message posted on the district's website. "It is our intention to create the safest emotional space for your child to process this loss."

Palzet urged parents to talk with their children about the tragedy and offered guidance on helping them cope. He advised families to be honest about death, watch for behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal, and help children return to normal routines. He also suggested that children write notes or letters to express feelings they may be experiencing for the first time.

"This loss will affect everyone in our school family and in the greater Pleasantdale school community," 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."

The crash disrupted rail service in the area, with major delays expected on Metra lines following the incident. The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation.

The deaths have shaken the close-knit west suburban school community, where the district's roughly K-8 population is now grappling with the loss of two young students. Grief counselors are expected to remain available in the coming days and weeks as families, staff, and classmates process the tragedy.