Family sues after teen killed by Metra train in Barrington

In Barrington, Illinois, the family of Marin Lacson, a teenage girl who was tragically killed by a train while on her way to school, has initiated legal action against several entities, including Union Pacific Railroad Company and the village of Barrington. The incident occurred when Marin crossed the tracks at Hough and Main Streets after one train had passed, unaware of another train approaching from the opposite direction. Witnesses reported that while the gates were down, there were no gates over the sidewalk, which contributed to the accident. The lawsuit highlights the negligence of the involved parties in failing to implement necessary safety measures at the pedestrian crosswalk. Marin's father, Michael Lacson, expressed his determination to ensure that his daughter's death leads to meaningful changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. He emphasized the need for pedestrian gates and improved warning signs to enhance safety at the crossing. This tragic event is not isolated; attorneys noted that there has been at least one other fatality at the same crosswalk, and a serious injury occurred in 2013 when an 11-year-old boy lost his foot under comparable circumstances. The mother of the injured boy had previously advocated for the installation of pedestrian gates, highlighting a long-standing issue with safety at this location. The Lacson family's lawsuit aims to bring attention to the urgent need for safety improvements at the crosswalk, as they believe that proper measures could have saved Marin's life. Their commitment to making a difference reflects a broader concern for pedestrian safety in the community.