The collision occurred around 8 a.m. at the Wolf Road crossing, where the Amtrak train was traveling from Chicago to Quincy. Village officials said the crossing gates were functioning and engaged at the time of the crash.

Witnesses working near the station described a sudden, violent scene. "I heard this loud boom, and then all of a sudden I saw smoke and flames," said Mike Struglinski, who was nearby. Flames estimated at roughly 20 feet high erupted from the vehicle on the tracks, and video from the scene showed the car destroyed, its badly burnt frame left on the tracks for hours as emergency responders and investigators worked. Debris, including a shoe and what appeared to be clothing, was scattered around the area.

Mark Wolz, owner of Elite Fitness, a gym directly outside the crash site, said employees and members rushed outside to help. "We brought a fire extinguisher out there, and at that time it was just too late," he said. "The car was already in a ball of flames." Wolz described the aftermath as looking "like a war zone."

Wolz's nephew, Luke Garvey, was among the first to run toward the wreckage. He and other drivers pulled a woman from the car. "I would like to just say thank you to them, because they ran out and helped right away," Garvey said. "They saw a lot, but they were heroes for that."

Martha Gerald, who also works near the crash site, said the scene was unlike anything she had seen. "It's saddening, heartbreaking, also alarming," she said. "Definitely the red flags that brings within you of hey, when the rails are flashing and there's a train coming, always stop. Just always stop. It's not worth it."

Amtrak said the crash is a reminder that drivers should obey crossing signals and exercise caution around tracks.

In La Grange, Pleasantdale School District 107 Superintendent Dave Palzet said the district is providing support to students and staff. "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."

Palzet encouraged parents to let children talk about their feelings and suggested writing notes or letters as a way for kids to express emotions they may be experiencing for the first time. He advised families to be direct. "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.

The crash disrupted service on the Metra line and prompted major delays, officials said. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.