(IntegrityPress.org) – Chicago commuters were impacted last week when investigators were tasked with determining the cause of a collision between a commuter train and rail equipment last Thursday. The incident, which occurred in the morning near the Howard CTA station, saw a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train strike a snow-clearing vehicle.
31 passengers, including four children, were riding on the Yellow Line train, according to local officials. The Chicago Fire Department’s second district chief, Robert Jurewicz, said that all involved were safely moved away from the scene after ensuring that the power was disconnected. While 23 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, non suffered life-threatening injuries, according to assistant deputy chief paramedic Keith Gray. The victims’ ages ranged from two to seventy-five years old, with the train operator being one of the most seriously injured. Seven individuals injured during the crash were Chicago Transit Authority employees, and one passenger has reportedly already filed a lawsuit against the CTA following the collision.
Alderwoman Maria Hadden suggested that a medical emergency might have preceded the crash for the conductor, though official confirmation is yet to be received. Images from the scene showed emergency responders assessing and providing first aid to the passengers.
Local officials said that the challenging terrain and weather made it difficult for EMS to reach and assess the injured passengers. Nonetheless, 15 ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
One passenger, Shayla Smith, described her experience hearing the crash occur. Smith said that an elderly women almost lost her balance after hearing a terrifying “boom” sound.
Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed his gratitude to first responders while assuring his administration’s close monitoring of the situation. Similarly, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement indicating close attention to the incident while expressing gratitude to the brave first responders. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the accident.
Chicago residents likely face a season of travel disruptions, with studies suggesting that snowfall in the city and across the Midwest is increasing every year. Accuweather, however, predicts that Chicago may see between 50 and 74% of its typical snowfall throughout the winter, with the coldest and most severe weather arriving in the late winter.
Copyright 2023, IntegrityPress.org
