The most egregious offense committed in Illinois last week was the 70,000 pounds of bacon unceremoniously dumped at the roadside in Wilmington, about 60 miles southwest of Chicago, on Friday afternoon.
The bacon was flung from a semitrailer when Amtrak's Texas Eagle Train 22 plowed into its side. There are conflicting reports. The Chicago Tribune states the truck was immobile on the tracks. A witness told NBC News that the truck actually hit the train. Regardless, a most delicious cargo was tragically strewn about the crossroads.
The train appears to have rammed straight through the semi, striking it where the trailer connects to the cab. The force was enough to dislodge the trailer from the cab, and swing the cab around so the front faced the train. The trailer was violently relieved of its precious contents.
la tragédie profonde
An Amtrak train in Chicago just hit...70,000 pounds of bacon? http://t.co/MNfLgThnke pic.twitter.com/W3ZkSY53Yx
— CNBC (@CNBC) June 6, 2015
The train did not run off the tracks. Ten ambulances were called to the scene, but it is unknown how many injuries were sustained, or if anyone was hospitalized. No injuries were reported for the train's over 200 passengers and crew, according to NBC News. The truck driver walked away from the incident.
Sam Herwitz, an Amtrak passenger who was on the scene, shared photos of the unfortunate aftermath.
There is no word on the status of the bacon, whether it was salvaged, looted or consumed, but we sincerely hope these animals did not die in vain.