Nearly 40 Injured In Train Crash, Derailment At Howard Street Station

CHICAGO — A CTA Yellow Line train carrying 31 passengers and seven transit workers derailed at the Howard Street switching station Thursday morning, fire officials said.

Three people were seriously injured and 23 others were also hospitalized for injuries suffered in the crash, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

Chicago and Evanston fire crews were dispatched to a report of multiple people injured in a collision between a train a snow removal machine around 11 a.m. at the 7519 N. Paulina St. station.

According to Chicago fire officials, 15 ambulances were called to the scene to assist. The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, has opened an investigation into the incident.

Yellow Line service was suspended and CTA also cut power to Red and Purple line trains in Evanston as rescuers assisted passengers and crew. South of the station, Red Line service was suspended between Howard and Thorndale, according to the CTA.

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"Service on the Yellow and Purple Lines have been temporarily suspended due to an incident near Howard," transit officials announced, recommending travelers use the No. 97 bus or buses to other rail lines.

"We are working to restore service as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding."

Chicago Avenue was closed between South Boulevard and Howard Street, according to an Evanston Fire Department spokesperson.

Update: Passengers Hurt In CTA Yellow Line Crash Begin Filing Lawsuits