Chicago Worker Struck and Killed by Freight Train While Clearing Away Snow

In December of 2025, ABC 7 reported that a Chicago worker had lost his life after being struck and killed by a passing freight train. This incident highlights how dangerous it can be to work in close proximity to moving vehicles, including trains. The accident also highlights the hazards of working outdoors in the winter, especially for those tasked with removing ice and snow. If you have suffered some kind of weather-related injury at work, consider speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago for further guidance.

Worker Was Operating Snow Removal Equipment Before Fatal Train Collision

This incident occurred in the suburb of Naperville at a BNSF train platform. The victim was operating snow removal equipment when an eastbound freight train approached. The train then collided with the man, causing fatal injuries. First responders did not reveal much more about the crash, although they noted the man was working as a contractor.

The City of Naperville issued an official statement lamenting the tragedy, calling it a “heartbreaking” loss of life. The City also stated that it plans to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate the circumstances of the collision in more detail.

The “classification” of the victim as a contractor is notable in the context of workers’ compensation. Many workers know that independent contractors are not eligible to file workers’ comp claims, since they are not “employees.” Other workers (and their families) only discover this information after they attempt to file workers’ comp claims after major accidents.

Whatever the case may be, financial compensation is still possible for injured contractors and their families. However, the route toward justice and closure could be more challenging in this situation. The independent contractor or their surviving family members may need to explore alternative options, such as direct personal injury lawsuits against negligent third parties.

In this type of situation, the family and their attorney might need to investigate the circumstances of an accident and determine why it might have happened. In the case of the recent train collision, a lawyer might help the family figure out whether the train operator or the freight company violated any safety regulations or approached the station in an unsafe manner.

It might also be possible to file a no-fault workers’ comp claim if the employer wrongly misclassified the victim as an independent contractor. This is a common form of employer misconduct. Not only is it illegal, but it could also allow independent contractors to successfully file workers’ comp claims despite their non-employee status.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help Me? 

A workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago may be able to help if you have suffered injuries at work during the winter. Whether you slipped on ice or you were struck by a passing vehicle, you deserve the right to feel confident about financial support during this difficult time. If you are having any trouble with your claim or you need help starting the process, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources:

 abc7chicago.com/post/naperville-train-accident-freight-hits-kills-worker-removing-snow-station-105-4th-ave-officials-say/18243000/

wgntv.com/news/naperville/contractor-dies-after-being-hit-by-train-during-snow-removal-in-naperville/