Overview

• The collision occurred around 11:10 p.m. Wednesday near Highway 20 and Utah Street when eastbound South Shore Line train 133 struck a car that had entered the crossing.
• The Lake County Coroner’s office confirmed recovery of five bodies at the scene and said the victims’ identities remain under wraps pending next of kin notification.
• A witness told police the driver went around lowered crossing gates in an apparent effort to beat the train across the tracks.
• South Shore Line service was halted overnight for damage inspections and safety checks before resuming Thursday morning.
• Gary police and state troopers are leading an ongoing investigation into the circumstances and causes of the crash.