4 Dead, 1 Critical After Freight Train Hits Van in Illinois

4 Dead, 1 Critical After Freight Train Hits Van in Illinois

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

NOKOMIS, Ill. (AP) — Authorities say four people in their 70s and 80s have died and a fifth is in critical condition after a freight train hit their van as they returned from an ice cream social in central Illinois.

Illinois State Police say the 79-year-old man driving the van failed to yield to the oncoming train at a rail crossing near Nokomis Wednesday evening. The train hit the driver’s side of the van.

Nokomis is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of Springfield, Illinois.

Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp tells the (Decatur) Herald & Review that the group was returning from an ice cream social.

State police say three were pronounced dead at the scene and another later died. The fifth occupant is listed in critical condition. Police say the five are from nearby Pana.