One person is dead after a train versus railcar mover crash at Legacy Grain Cooperative in Stonington, Illinois, on October 21.
Stephen J. Jordan, 69, Moweaqua, Illinois, an employee of Legacy Grain, died of multiple traumatic injuries from the accident.
According to reports, initial investigations suggest that a Norfolk Southern train hauling four empty rail cars was northeast bound and the railcar mover crossed into the path of the train, causing the collision.
The cooperative employee was pronounced dead at the scene.
A representative from Norfolk Southern confirmed that four empty cars being pulled by an NS train did derail as a result of the collision.
The collision also caused a fuel leak from the train's diesel engine, requiring the response of the hazmat team from fire department.
Norfolk Southern said they investigate all derailments and any findings will be reported to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Legacy Grain Cooperative immediately closed its facility to secure the sight. It remained closed over the weekend. The facility was expected to reopen on October 24.
"The board of directors and management of Legacy Grain offer our profound sympathies to the family, friends and fellow employees of Steve Jordan," the company said on its website. "As we must, we will reopen on Monday, October 24, one man down."
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