Barrington Police investigations confirm that 11-year-old Dominic Szymanski was hit by an incoming train, shortly after an outbound train crossed Rte. 59. 

“It looks like he was walking on Rte. 59 and proceeded to wait for the train that was outbound. As it ended outbound on the south side of the tracks, he proceeded to walk north where there was an express train inbound,” said Assistant Police Chief Dave Dorn. 

Dorn said Barrington police officers spoke to witnesses at the scene as well as to Dominic.

Dorn said it is unknown whether the outbound train obscured the child’s view of the incoming train. He said there was no problem with the safety systems at the crossing.

“Everything was functioning. He was at a crossing with active stop arms and lights,” he said. 

Dorn said police do not know whether Dominic was with any other children. 

He said witnesses were on hand to help Dominic after the accident. 

“There were witnesses and residents who took an active role in assisting Dominic as well as first responders. It is great to see that they assisted us in getting Dominic help,” Dorn said.

See: ‘God Bless Every Single Person Who Helped That Kid’

Dorn also said Barrington police are actively involved in the Operation Lifesaver Train Safety Awareness program.