3 Dead After Amtrak Train Hits Vehicle in Illinois

Three people have died after their vehicle was struck by Amtrak's westbound California Zephyr, with 277 passengers and crew aboard.

LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton said Monday that five people were in the vehicle when it was struck by the Amtrak train just before 3:07 p.m. Two other occupants were injured.

Two of the deceased were identified as 82-year-old Benjamin Rasmusen and 81-year-old Marilyn Rasmusen of Leland. The third victim was not immediately identified.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari confirmed a vehicle was obstructing the tracks and says there were no injuries to passengers or staff aboard the train. The train was delayed for seven hours, and 100 passengers bound for Omaha and points east were transferred to charter buses. The wreck also delayed four other Amtrak trains, Magliari said.