Chicago

Teen Killed After Being Hit by Metra Train on Northwest Side

A teenage boy was killed after being hit by a Metra train on Chicago's Northwest Side late Sunday night, just hours before friends say he was set to celebrate his 18th birthday. 

The transit agency said the incident happened around 9 p.m. in the 7000 block of West Medill Avenue near the Mont Clare station. It involved outbound Milwaukee District West Line train no. 2721, which was schedule to arrive in Elgin just before 10 p.m. 

The Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed Monday morning 17-year-old Isaiis Ceja, of Chicago, was killed by the train. Friends 

Extensive delays were reported in the area after the crash as authorities remained at the scene for several hours. 

Witnesses reported the Ceja was with another person crossing the tracks when he was struck by a train approaching the station. The other person was not injured. 

Metra officials said the teen was hanging with friends under a pedestrian brudge near the track and was walking toward his friends when he was struck. 

The transit agency warned passengers to keep a safe distance from the tracks following the accident. They also warned against wearing ear buds near rail crossings, though they noted he did not have head phones on when he was hit. 

Friends of Ceja said Monday would have been the teen's 18th birthday. He was an aspiring filmmaker who planned to travel to California to pursue his dreams, they said. 

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