Chicago Commuter Train Collides with Rail Equipment, Injuring Over 20, Some Critically
A Chicago commuter train collided with rail equipment, injuring over 20 people, some critically. Train services on multiple lines have been suspended as authorities investigate the cause.
A Chicago commuter train collided with rail equipment on Thursday morning, injuring more than 20 people, some of them critically, according to fire officials. The incident occurred on the city's North Side near the Howard CTA station. The Chicago Fire Department stated that the train, operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), crashed into snow-removal equipment at approximately 10:35 am.
BREAKING: At least 20 injured in Chicago Commuter Train Accident:
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) November 16, 2023
- A Chicago transit authority train, with 38 people on board has slammed into snow removal equipment.
- At least 20 people on the train have been injured, some in critical condition.
- 23 people have been taken… pic.twitter.com/D7vK3yhAPN
The Yellow Line train was carrying 31 commuters and seven CTA workers at the time of the collision. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and 23 people, including four children, were taken to area hospitals. Approximately three of the injured individuals were reported to be in critical condition, although no one sustained life-threatening injuries. The remaining 15 individuals on board the train declined medical treatment at the scene. Eyewitnesses on another train that had just departed from Howard station reported hearing a loud boom sound, causing passengers to scream in alarm. One passenger described the experience as feeling like the train was going to tip over. Television footage showed one end of the train severely crushed and pushed in.
As passengers were evacuated from the train, several were brought into a triage center lined with stretchers for assessment. One individual was seen bleeding heavily from the head. To ensure the safety of the injured, at least 15 ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The CTA announced that train services on the Red, Purple, and Yellow lines have been temporarily suspended due to the incident. Commuters are advised to visit the CTA website for updates on service resumption.
