Pedestrian struck by Metra train in Evanston

Metra trains on the Union Pacific North Line through Evanston were stopped for over an hour this evening after a pedestrian reportedly was struck by a northbound train near the Central Street station shortly after 7 p.m.

Metra trains on the Union Pacific North Line through Evanston were stopped for over an hour this evening after a pedestrian reportedly was struck by a northbound train near the Central Street station shortly after 7 p.m.

Metra officials confirm that there was a “pedestrian incident” at the station and an eyewitness tells Evanston Now that Evanston fire units removed what appeared to be a body from beneath the train.

Update 8:05 p.m.: Metra spokesman Tom Miller says the victim in the accident was taken to Evanston Hospital, apparently still alive. He said he didn’t have any details on the victim’s identity.

Miller says two other Metra trains, both heading inbound, were stopped because of an mechanical problem unrelated to the pedestrian accident.

Witnesses tell Evanston Now they heard the train, which would have left downtown Chicago about 6:35 p.m, sound a very long blast on its horn as it pulled into the Central Street station.

Fire and police units then arrived, the witnesses say, and blocked off Green Bay Road between Lincoln and Central streets while a fire crew worked to get the victim out from under the train.