Train Operator Likely Caused Chicago Derailment

PlusTrain Operator Likely Caused Chicago DerailmentTrain Operator Likely Caused Chicago DerailmentThe Associated PressA Chicago transit spokeswoman says a train derailment was probably caused by operator error. Fourteen people were taken to hospitals after the elevated train left the tracks. (May 28)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] THIS TRAIN ACCIDENT ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY OPERATOR ERROR.THAT'S THE WORD FROM THE CITY'S TRANSIT AUTHORITY.C-T-A OFFICIALS SAY THE ELEVATED TRAIN'S OPERATOR FAILED TO STOP AT A RED SIGNAL, AND THAT CAUSED A CHAIN REACTION. THEY'RE ALSO LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY THAT AGING SIGNALS MAY HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN THE ACCIDENT. WILLIE JACKSON WAS ON THE SECOND OF 4 CARS HEADED SOUTHBOUND ON THE GREEN LINE WHEN THE DERAILMENT HAPPENED.((Willie Jackson/train passenger"Everybody was screaming and hollarin' you know. You know everybody was hollarin' and prayin' for god, including I was you know."))(video of Jackson and train ax) JACKSON SUFFERED NO INJURIES BUT HE'S PLENTY SHAKEN UP. WHEN THE CAR TWISTED OFF THE TRACKS HE JUST GRABBED HOLD OF THE NEAREST POLE AND HELD ON TIGHT ((Willie Jackson/train passenger"If the train would have fell off the edge and onto the ground. We all probably would have been dead at least hurt real bad."))(video of ambulance driving away)MORE THAN A DOZEN PASSENGERS WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITALS IN GOOD TO FAIR CONDITIONS. CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY OFFICIALS SAY ABOUT TWO DOZEN PEOPLE WERE RIDING THE TRAIN AT THE TIME. THE OPERATOR...WHO HAS 3 DECADES OF EXPERIENCE...IS COOPERATING WITH AUTHORITIES. HE'LL UNDERGO DRUG TESTING AND WON'T BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO WORK UNTIL THE INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETE. (video of accident) THIS DERAILMENT IS JUST THE LATEST PROBLEM FOR THE CITY'S DETERIORATING CENTURY-OLD TRAIN SYSTEM.(file video of July 2006 accident scene) IN JULY 2006 MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN A DERAILMENT. AND LAST YEAR THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD ISSUED A REPORT SAYING THE CTA HAD A SERIOUSLY FLAWED INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• trainderail
• train
• operator
• caused
• chicago
• derailment

[chitownbound]

u just dont get it do you?the cta needs someone to blame to hide the fact that centry old rail system is decaying and needs repair badd!!!

[Murdock703]

I cannot believe a 32 veteran of the CTA...can make a mistake like this...this makes me question if he wants to collect paid leave for appeals and after collect unemployment on top of his pension with Social Security around the corner?? or was he drinking? or both!

[chitownbound]

u know most of the passengers are faking their injuries.THEY ABOUT TO GET PAAAAAAAAID!!hell i dont blame em take advantage of the situation i know i wouldve.

[studio7manga]

Heheh, yeah all those damn suburbanites are paying for it now, the higher gas prices go the more happy I get living were I do.

[TECHKLEC]

A lot of cities that had them in the past only to be torn up,wish they had them back (example:Richmond,Va.).

[studio7manga]

Using the L in Chicago is a must if you're going anywhere downtown, freeway traffic sucks. Psh, I wish Columbus had a light rail system.

[Dangerpksu]

dang :o