Last week, we wrote about the bizarre accident involving two Chicago Transit Authority trains. Some 33 people aboard a stationary train were injured when an apparently unmanned second train (also operated by the CTA) crashed into it. The accident is …
Continue reading “First personal injury suit filed over last week’s CTA train crash”
Those who regularly rely on the Chicago Transit Authority to get them where they’re going know that while service is usually reliable, problems can and do arise. We recently wrote about the bus passenger who spotted a CTA bus driver …
Continue reading “Officials struggling to explain CTA train accident near Chicago”
Trains are no longer the prominent form of transportation and shipping that they once were. Although trains still travel with regularity in and out of Chicago, it’s not always easy for people to know which tracks are frequently used and …
Continue reading “Pedestrian survives being hit by Chicago-bound Amtrak train”
A tragic runaway train accident in Canada this month has brought back memories of the June 2009 freight-train derailment that occured in Cherry Valley. That’s because, like the Cherry Valley accident, this recent train accient not only claimed the lives of least …
Continue reading “Runaway train ends in explosion, at least 13 killed”
There is a lot of history contained in the train tracks leading in and out of Chicago. While our railroad system helped grow the city and surrounding suburbs, there were also many notable train accidents that caused regulators to push for new …
Continue reading “Deadly Naperville train accident occurred 67 years ago last week”
Most Chicago readers will no doubt remember a tragic transportation accident that is about to have its 10th anniversary. On February 9, 2003, a tanker train on its way to Chicago and carrying thousands of gallons of caustic chemicals suddenly …
Continue reading “Tomorrow marks 10th anniversary of a major Illinois train accident”
There are many ways to get around in Chicago, but our various forms of transportation do not always coexist peacefully. One major hazard faced by car and truck drivers alike is railroad crossings. Malfunctioning signals or gates can leave one’s …
Continue reading “Wrongful death lawsuit filed following fatal car-train collision”
Chicago residents have many choices when it comes to rail transportation. Amtrak, Metra and the venerable ‘L’ provide countless options for business and pleasure travel. But rail tracks require frequent inspection and maintenance; failure to examine tracks in a satisfactory …
Continue reading “Derailed train injures passengers, narrowly avoids coal cars”
Chicago commuters who travel on the Metra may not give a second thought to the high-visibility color scheme emblazoned on the rear of the passenger cars. But that safety measure grew out of a tragedy that took place on our …
Continue reading “Chicago marks anniversary of deadly commuter train accident”
Illinois is working towards the creation of a high-speed passenger rail line that would run from Chicago to St. Louis. Begun in 2010, workers have installed higher-grade ties and rails on existing tracks and have made curves easier to negotiate …
Continue reading “Illinois moves to prevent train accidents on new high-speed line”