EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — Three people were killed and three others are in critical condition after a minivan was struck by a train around 1 a.m. Saturday, police said.
The following is a summary of events provided by the East Chicago Police Department:
Officers were dispatched to 4600 Euclid Ave in reference to a vehicle vs train accident. Upon arrival Officers located a 2005 Honda mini van with extensive damage approximately 200 yards west of the Euclid Avenue train crossing.
Officers immediately began to render aid to all the injured occupants. Unfortunately the 36yr old male driver of East Chicago, 38yr old female passenger of East Chicago and 10yr old female juvenile passenger were deceased on scene. Three male juveniles ranging in ages of 7 to 10 years old were transported to area hospitals in critical condition. Identification of all parties is pending family notification.
The official cause of the accident is still being investigated by our Traffic Division. A preliminary investigation indicates that the Honda Odyssey minivan was traveling N/B on 4600 Euclid Avenue when the signals, lights, and crossing gates indicating a train was approaching activated. The van is captured on video disregarding and going around the crossing gate, which was down and operational. The van was then struck by a W/B train.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. More information will be forthcoming once the investigation is completed by our Traffic Division.
