Crime & Safety

Mokena Family Sues Metra Over Fatal Crash

The family of Samira Baker, 19, who died after a Metra train struck her car in June, is suing Metra for negligence, Sun-Times Media reports.

The family of a Mokena woman killed when a Metra train struck her car is suing, Sun-Times Media reports.

Samira Baker, 19, died when a train inbound from Joliet struck her car on the tracks near 191st and LaGrange Road June 13 around 10 p.m. Her father, Kaled Baker, is claiming negligence on Metra's part, according to the report. The complaint was filed in Will County Court Thursday. 

Initial findings indicate that Baker's 1999 Nissan Altima was inside the crossing gates as the train approached. The engineer spotted the 1999 four-door Nissan and attempted to brake, throwing the engine into "emergency" mode, according to Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile. Metra said the gates were down and warning lights were flashing.

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Witnesses reported that the car came to rest inside the gates—but clear of the tracks—before the gates were lowered. The car then slowly began rolling forward, onto the tracks. Witnesses told police they blared their horns in an attempt to warn the driver, as the train barreled toward the car at a reported 70 mph. But to no avail. The car was struck as it reached the second track.  

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Baker graduated from a week before her death. 

 


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