There are thousands of intersections throughout Illinois where trains, cars and pedestrians cross paths. Many of the most dangerous train crossings are found here in Chicago and in surrounding suburbs. Accidents at these intersections are often fatal, as a train-crossing …
Continue reading “NW Chicago high school student struck and killed by Metra train”
In January, we wrote about a growing concern among safety regulators in the United States. The National Transportation Safety Board has noted that the U.S. is in the midst of an oil boom due to increased domestic drilling and hydraulic …
Continue reading “Railroad companies seeking stronger tank cars to carry oil”
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”
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”
Chicago has long been a crucial railroad hub in the Midwest, and the city’s rapid development is wedded to the business that came via train. Unfortunately, the cost of progress can be high. While train accidents may not be as …
Continue reading “NTSB pushes for new design to reduce severity of train accidents”
