Man injured after freight train hits vehicle in Harvard; Metra UP-NW service restored

HARVARD, Ill. (WLS) — A man was injured after his vehicle was hit by a train and caught fire in Harvard, Illinois Thursday morning.

The Harvard Fire Protection District responded to the McGuire Road railroad crossing at about 2:24 a.m. and did not find the crash initially before locating it about a quarter mile north of the crossing.

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Authorities said the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and a Utility Terrain Vehicle was used to transport firefighters and paramedics to the scene.

A man was located in a nearby ravine with rescue equipment used to rescue him before he was transported to a hospital in Rockford with serious injuries.

The Union Pacific freight train did not contain hazardous material and did not derail, authorities said. No injuries were reported on the train.

The crash has caused some delays on the Metra UP-Northwest Line Thursday morning. Service has been restored to the Harvard station.

The crash remains under investigation by the Metra Police Department.