A tragic incident unfolded in Des Plaines on Monday evening when a 56-year-old man was struck and killed by a Metra train. The fatal encounter occurred at the Des Plaines station, located at 1501 Miner Street, with the incident reported around 7:15 p.m., the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Following the collision, train services faced significant disruptions, as inbound and outbound Union Pacific Northwest trains were stopped, causing delays. Metra confirmed that the pedestrian had been hit by train #666, which subsequently ran approximately 15 to 20 minutes behind schedule, according to WGN-TV. Eyewitnesses and stranded passengers were left grappling with the sudden interruption to their commutes, as the reality of the situation began to sink in.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Details leading up to the accident remain scarce, with Metra officials and local police providing few clues as to how the collision occurred. However, officials from Metra police are actively investigating to uncover the circumstances of the tragedy.

While the investigation unfolds, the incident has raised questions about pedestrian safety near train stations, and possible preventive measures. Yet, for now, the commuters and community of Des Plaines must deal with the aftermath of a life suddenly cut short by the wheels of a train they knew, simply as the #666. The services which were halted, for the inquiries and the honoring of a life lost, resumed later that night, with the somber understanding that “on time” can never equate to timeless.