UPDATED: 11 Year-Old Hit by Train in Barrington

UPDATED 12 p.m., March 16

A passing train apparently obscured the view of the oncoming train which hit a Barrington fifth-grader, Friday night, according to District 220 Chief Communications Officer Jeff Arnett.

"From what I understand from the police, is that he was at Route 59 and Lake-Cook Road, waiting for a passing train. The passing train obscured the view of another train. When he saw that train, it was too late," Arnett said.  

The boy is a fifth-grader at Hough Street School and the school community is coming together and providing meals for the family and making cards for the child as he recovers, Arnett said. 

UPDATED 9:53 a.m., March 16: 

The 11-year-old boy struck by a Metra train on Friday evening is reportedly out of critical condition, District 220 officials report. 

"Report from the family and the hospital this morning that he is now out of critical condition but facing a long recovery. The family is very grateful for his improved prognosis and the support of the Hough School community," District 220 Chief Communications Officer Jeff Arnett said. 

UPDATED 11:19 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 15:

The 11-year-old boy hit by a commuter train was a student at Hough Street School, according to acommunication from Barrington 220 Supt. Dr. Tom Leonard.

"it is important for us to stress this was a heartbreaking accident and not the result of any intentional behavior. The student's family and younger siblings will be in our continual thoughts and prayers throughout the weekend. When everyone returns to school Monday, the close-knit Hough community will provide care and be cared for during this difficult time," Leonard said.

UPDATED 9:36 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 15:

The following is a news release from the Barrington Police Department: 

The Barrington Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene where a pedestrian was struck by a commuter train Friday at 6:09 p.m. The preliminary investigation indicates that the 11-year-old male was crossing the tracks at Route 59 north of Lake Cook Road when he was struck by a southeast bound commuter train. 

Police officers and a witness administered first aid until paramedics arrived. At that time, the boy was transported to Lutheran General Hospital. The extent of his injuries are not known at this time. The investigation is currently being conducted by the Barrington police department. 

UPDATED 8:05 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 15: 

Metra trains are moving again along the Union Pacific Northwest line this evening. Trains were at a standstill after a pedestrian was struck just after 6 p.m. 

No passengers were on the train at the time of the incident, Metra officials say. The train that struck the teenager originated in Barrington. 

ORIGINAL STORY:

A pedestrian was struck by a Metra train in Barrington this evening, Barrington Police confirm. 

The incident happened at 6:05 p.m. about a block north of the Barrington train station, according to Metra officials. Detective Sergeant Kevin Croke tells Barrington Patch a teenage boy was struck by the train and taken to Lutheran General Hospital in unknown condition. It's unclear if the incident was an accident at this time. 

The following trains are are currently stopped near the Barrington train station: #637 arrives Crystal Lake 6:30 p.m.; #639 arrives Barrington at 6:17 p.m.; #645 arrives Barrington at 6:36 p.m.;#649 arrives Crystal Lake at 7:20 p.m.; #651 arrives Crystal Lake at 7:08 p.m.; #656 arrives Chicago at 6:57 p.m.  Delays may be up to 70-90 minutes.  

Barrington Patch will have more information as details emerge.