From Jerry Shnay at the Southtown Star:
Canadian National Railway says it has a videotape of the Western Avenue collision last summer involving one of the railroad's engines and a car driven by a Park Forest resident who suffered some facial injuries.
Original reports said, and it was reported here, that witnesses claimed the crossing gates were not working. The railroad says the video, taken from the engine cab, shows that the gates were in good condition and working properly.
In letters to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, CN disclosed the existence of the tape and said Park Forest officials were told they could view the tape privately.
When this columnist asked to view the tape so he could, if necessary, write a correction, he was told by the railroad's public relations person that the tape "will not be shown to members of the media." The guess is that CN is concerned about potential litigation and must protect what it deems to be evidence.
Can one take the railroad at its word? Even if this were so, one should not forget the old City News Bureau commandment - "If your mother says she loves you, check it out."
Related: Driver in Serious Condition After Train Strikes Car at Western Ave
