Metra Train Kills One in Southshore Accident

Two passengers are in critical condition

A Metra Electric train smashed into a car in the Southshore neighborhood Monday night killing one and injuring two others.

At about 9:45 p.m. train 347 hit a vehicle near 71st and South Merrill and pushed it for about a block. The car then rolled over, Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said to the Sun-Times.

Two passengers managed to escape the car, according to witnesses, and tried to pry the driver out of the seat. They were unsuccessful.

Emergency crews had to cut the driver out of the vehicle. Garry Godfrey, 30, was pronounced dead on the scene, said Fire Department Chief Joe Roccasalva to the Chicago Tribune.

One passenger was taken to Northwest Memorial Hospital and another to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Both in serious-to-critical condition.

There was no immediate information as to what caused the accident, but witnesses say crossing gates appeared to be working.

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