Police looking for teens they said put tie plates on tracks, severely damaging train

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - Taylorville police are looking for teenagers they said placed tie plates on train tracks, causing severe damage to a train.

TPD was called to Macon Metals at 10:15 p.m. Thursday for an incident involving a train. Officers talked to the train conductor, who said unknown teenagers were seen placing tie plates on the rails near the ball diamonds on South Webster.

As a result, the train struck the tie plates, causing severe damage. The train company lost tens of thousands of dollars due to time restrictions.

The conductor told police that if he been traveling at his normal speed of 50 MPH, the train would have derailed. He also said the train was carrying hazardous materials.

However, due to another train ahead, he had reduced speed, preventing a more severe incident.

"This is an extremely serious matter that could have had catastrophic consequences. We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Taylorville Police Department immediately," TPD posted to Facebook.