CHICAGO, IL – A major incident unfolded in Chicago when a southbound train, originating from Skokie, collided with a snowplow on the tracks near 7519 N. Paulina Street.
According to multiple sources, the collision, which occurred at 10:45 AM, initially believed to be a train-to-train crash in a CTA yard, turned out to involve a slow-moving snowplow. The reasons why the snowplow was on the track at the time of the collision remain unclear.
The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) responded promptly to the scene, where 38 victims were involved in the accident, including 31 civilians and 7 CTA personnel. Of these, 23 were transported to hospitals with conditions ranging from serious to fair, while 15 others refused transportation. Notably, at least four children were on the train, with three victims listed in critical condition.
Emergency services, including 15 ambulances, were deployed as part of the Emergency Medical Services Plan 2. The immediate area was shut down to traffic, turning it into a triage station for passengers. The CTA has advised riders to seek alternate routes due to expected extensive delays.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are ongoing, with early reports suggesting an accidental encounter between the train and the snowplow. This incident has raised questions about safety protocols on train tracks during inclement weather and emergency response strategies.
