CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — At least 23 people were hospitalized after a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Yellow Line train crashed into snow removal equipment at the Howard Station Thursday morning.
Of the 23 people taken to hospitals after the crash, the Chicago Fire Department said three were in critical condition, nine were in fair condition, and 11 were in good condition. All of the injuries were non-life-threatening. Fifteen people refused transport to a hospital. Of the 38 victims, four were children.
According to the Evanston Fire Department, a Yellow Line train derailed at the Howard Street Switching Station, which is where Yellow, Purple and Red Line trains converge. In a statement to WBBM, the CTA said the crash happened shortly before 10:40 a.m.
Nearly 45 minutes after the crash, Chicago Fire Department officials said a fire broke out on the train. Images from the scene showed that the Yellow Line train crashed into the back of some snow removal equipment.
Over a dozen ambulances were called to the scene.
After the CTA cut power to lines in the area, Evanston firefighters said a special rescue was conducted to evacuate passengers from a Purple Line train that was stuck between stops in Evanston. The rescue was successful, and everyone was evacuated with no injuries were reported.
Following the crash, the CTA temporarily suspended Red Line service between Howard and Thorndale due to fire department activity. Yellow and Purple Line trains were completely stopped.
EFD said power would remain shut off on the Red and Purple lines "for the next few hours."
The CTA said Yellow Line riders should use the No. 97 Skokie bus route as an alternative. Purple Line riders can use the No. 205 Chicago/Golf bus route.
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