'Heartbreak and sorrow': Suburban community mourns loss of 2 children killed in crash with train

Yeah guys, almost 24 hours after this horrific event happened and we know the two killed are two young girls, elementary students at Pleasantdale Elementary School in LaGrange. The school district confirming where they attended school and the medical examiner's office website confirming that they are two young girls. And this awful accident happened in the middle of the morning commute guys. And because of that, Western Springs is making resources available today to anybody who witnessed this just horrific event. Now this is Sky Fox footage. From yesterday morning, near Wolf Roads crossing here at the Metro station in Western Springs, the village confirming two elementary students. were killed and the driver in serious condition after a westbound Amtrak train slammed into the vehicle at 8 a.m. Debris was thrown all over the tracks and all around the charred vehicle. This crash is still being investigated, but according to the village, preliminary reports indicate the railroad crossing gates were functioning and engaged, meaning they were in that down position at the time the Amtrak train struck the vehicle. No one on that train was hurt. A bus shuttled those passengers away from the area. Both inbound and outbound Metro BNSF service was halted for a time. Crossings and some train service started back up again yesterday around 2.30 p.m. School District 107 is not releasing the names or ages of the students killed, but they did send out a statement after learning of the deaths, saying in part, It's with a heavy heart that I share some very sad news here at Pleasantdale Elementary School. This morning, two of our elementary students were involved in a fatal train crash in Western Springs. Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow we feel as we mourn this devastating loss. It is our intention to create the safest emotional space for your child to process this loss. Our crisis response team met with students. The loss will affect students and staff today and will be available to communicate with students over the coming days and weeks. The loss will affect everyone in our family and the greater Pleasantdale school community. Students may have difficulty dealing with this loss and they encourage parents to talk with their child about it. Now, the district also has some suggestions on how parents can approach this just horrific and difficult topic with such young children. Again, these were elementary school students. Now, some of the tips are first is affirming that your child is loved, affirming that their feelings are normal, their feelings are valid, and that they're okay to feel that way. Also give them space to share those feelings and be honest with them if they do ask difficult questions. Now, the district also says if students don't want to talk about their feelings, drawing And they also say to watch for any behavioral changes in your child and to try and get their routine back to as normal as possible in the coming days. Now, if you are someone who witnessed this just horrific accident, again, this happened around 8 o'clock in the morning during that morning commute, you can work or talk with social workers at Western Springs Village Hall. They'll be available today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. I'll send it back to you guys for now.