Truck Driver In Fatal Train Wreck To Get License

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Reuters) - Illinois will grant a commercial driver's license to the driver of the truck that was struck by an Amtrak train last week in an accident that killed 11 people, Secretary of State Jesse White said Thursday.

But White said he was not enthusiastic about the decision.

``I have very serious problems with much of his driving record,'' White said in a statement.

John Stokes was driving on a probationary commercial license when his rig loaded with steel entered a railroad crossing in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and was struck by the train on March 15.

Investigators are trying to sort out whether Stokes drove around crossing gates or past warning lights in an attempt to beat the fast-moving train.

Stokes' driving record included numerous speeding tickets, accidents and suspensions of his driver's license.

White said that given the choice, he would not give Stokes his commercial driver's license until authorities completed a report on the accident. While there was no basis in state law to withhold the license from Stokes, White said he reserved ``the right to reevaluate this matter.''

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