Boy, 8, Struck By CTA Train in Evanston

Police said the 8-year-old victim was walking with another boy when he was hit by a southbound Purple Line train

A young boy was injured after being struck by a train in north suburban Evanston Saturday afternoon.

According to Evanston police, officers responded to a report of a child hit by a CTA train south of the Dempster St station at 1318 Sherman Ave, just after 1 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers found an 8-year-old boy who had been hit by a southbound Purple Line train. The victim was walking with another young boy, who was not injured in the incident, police said.

Both were rushed to St. Francis Hospital from the scene. The boy who had been hit by the train was taken in critical condition with a head injury, but a doctor confirmed early Saturday evening that his condition had been stabilized and he was subsequently transferred to a trauma center. 

Witnesses said they saw the boys on the tracks as the train approached, and tried to help.

"There were unattended children on the very dangerous train tracks," said Abran Keranen. "We noticed kids on the track and notified the conductor and they took action."

Purple Line service was temporarily halted, but trains began operating with residual delays just before 3 p.m., according to the CTA. 

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

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