A commuter train on the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Yellow Line collided with snow-removal equipment near the Howard CTA station on Chicago’s North Side just before 10:35 am on Thursday, November 16. The crash resulted in injuries to 38 people, including four children.
The incident occurred as the train, carrying 31 commuters and seven CTA workers, was traveling south from Skokie. It struck slower-moving snow-removal equipment on the tracks. The collision led to 23 people being transported to area hospitals, with three individuals sustaining critical injuries. Among those seriously injured was the train’s operator. None of the injuries are reported as life-threatening.
Witnesses described hearing a loud boom at the time of the collision and expressed concerns over the train potentially tipping over. Following the incident, passengers were evacuated from the damaged train. In addition to those hospitalized, 15 individuals declined medical treatment at the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it is conducting an investigation into the cause of the collision. This incident marks a significant event in the CTA’s recent history, with a notable number of injuries involved. It was reportedly the worst CTA accident in decades.
Both Yellow and Purple Line services were temporarily suspended following the crash. As a result of the disruption, commuters experienced delays and were advised to seek alternative transportation routes.
A lawsuit has already been filed against the CTA by a passenger who was on the train during the incident. Details of the legal action are yet to be fully disclosed.
The CTA and local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the collision and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The focus remains on the investigation and the recovery of those injured.