Pickup Truck Slammed by Freight Train in Riverdale

December 22, 2010 - A Chicago man is lucky to be alive after his pickup truck was hit by a freight train in suburban Riverdale. According to a report at ABC 7 Chicago, the serious crash occurred around 7 a.m. on Friday morning as motorists attempted to navigate snow-covered streets during the morning rush hour.

Police say the driver of the pickup truck intentionally disobeyed the flashing stop lights at the track crossing and drove around the moving arms, which had lowered across the intersection of Perry Street and Acme Street in anticipation of the train's arrival. Once on the tracks, the pickup truck was broadsided by the freight train, which had no time to stop. Pictures from the scene show a black pickup truck with extensive side-end damage.

The driver was pinned in the vehicle for some time, and first responders were forced to cut away parts of the wreckage to free him. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he is expected to survive. Police say his injuries are serious but not life threatening.