A deadly train accident in Danforth, Illinois has sparked a wrongful death lawsuit against multiple public agencies and Canadian National Railway. The suit, filed by the widow of the deceased, alleges negligence in the design and maintenance of a railroad crossing where no safety improvements were made, despite the approval of plans and funding for them nearly a year earlier.
Train accidents like this one don’t happen in a vacuum. In many cases, the warning signs, both literal and figurative, are already there. When railroad crossings lack basic safety protections, drivers face unnecessary risks. And when agencies ignore known hazards, serious consequences follow.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a fatal train accident, you don’t have to navigate it alone. A consultation with our wrongful death lawyers at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, LLC can help you determine whether safety failures contributed to the crash, and what steps can be taken next. Contact us at 312-775-0042 for a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against IDOT, Canadian National, and County Officials
The lawsuit names the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Canadian National Railway, and Iroquois County officials as defendants. The legal basis centers on negligence, specifically, a failure to act on known safety risks.
The widow’s complaint alleges that these entities breached their duty of care by not installing active warning signals, failing to maintain clear sight-lines around the tracks, and allowing a hazardous condition to persist at the crossing.
On January 6, 2025, a 23-year-old man was operating a snowplow for the Illinois Department of Transportation when a Canadian National freight train struck his vehicle near U.S. Route 45 and County Road 2300 North in Iroquois County.
According to reports, the crossing was not only unequipped with modern warning devices but also obscured by overgrown vegetation, severely limiting visibility. The IDOT worker was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Now, his widow has filed a wrongful death claim, alleging that the failure to upgrade the Danforth crossing contributed directly to her husband’s death.
Railroad Crossing Safety and Negligence in Illinois
Illinois is home to one of the largest and most active railroad networks in the country, with over 7,400 miles of track and thousands of crossings intersecting public and private roads. While some crossings are well-equipped with safety systems, many remain dangerously outdated, particularly in rural communities.
Passive Railroad Crossings Are a Known Safety Hazard
Passive crossings are marked only by crossbuck signs or basic stop signs, with no lights, gates, or audible signals to alert drivers of approaching trains. These types of crossings are common throughout rural Illinois and pose a threat to public safety, as well as increase the risk of people getting injured while working on the railroad.
Drivers approaching these intersections are responsible for visually checking for trains, even in conditions where visibility is poor—due to weather, time of day, or physical obstructions like trees, brush, or terrain. When trains are traveling at high speeds, the margin for error is dangerously thin.
Delayed Safety Upgrades Increase the Risk of Fatal Train Accidents
Although agencies like the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regularly assess high-risk crossings, the process of securing funding, approving upgrades, and actually implementing changes is slow. Crossings may remain unprotected for years, even after being flagged for improvements.
In the Danforth case, public reports indicate that funds had already been approved to install gates and flashing lights nearly a year before the fatal crash. Despite this, no action was taken in time to prevent the collision that killed the 23-year-old IDOT worker. When upgrades are delayed or abandoned, and an accident occurs, the inaction itself can become the basis for legal liability.
Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Railroad Crossing Safety in Illinois?
Liability for unsafe crossings can fall on several entities:
- Railroad companies, which are responsible for maintaining tracks, ensuring visibility, and complying with safety regulations.
- State and local agencies, which oversee roadway maintenance, vegetation control, and infrastructure improvements at crossings.
- Private landowners, in cases where a crossing intersects private property or is part of an industrial or farm route.
When these parties fail to keep a crossing reasonably safe, they may be held liable for injuries or fatalities under Illinois negligence law. Courts look at whether the risk was foreseeable and whether the responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
Legal Action Can Drive Change After Railroad Crossing Fatalities
The lawsuit filed after the Danforth train collision is more than a legal dispute. It’s a reflection of what can happen when known hazards are left unaddressed. In communities across Illinois, passive railroad crossings remain a risk, particularly when sight lines are obstructed or safety improvements are delayed. When state and local agencies or rail companies fail to take timely action, the consequences can be fatal.
Families who lose a loved one in a railroad crossing accident may have legal options. A wrongful death claim can help uncover the facts, hold the right parties accountable, and recover compensation for the financial and emotional losses that follow a sudden death. It can also prompt safety upgrades that protect others from experiencing the same tragedy.
If you’ve lost someone in a railroad crossing crash in Illinois, or have questions about whether safety lapses played a role, our personal injury lawyers at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, LLC, can help you understand your legal rights. Investigating early can make a critical difference in these complex cases. Contact our firm today at 312-775-0042 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
