14 DAY TRIAL // Two trains have crashed near Chicago this morning, stopping traffic between two suburbs of the city. Blue Line service is suspended between Forest Park and Austin, officials say. Shuttle buses have been brought in to cover the route.
A westbound Blue Line train was hit by a second train which had an “out of service” sign on it. The crash resulted in 48 people being checked in to 10 local hospitals.
An investigation follows the Harlem station crash, as authorities still cannot say why the trains have been on the same line.
According to Sun Times, the injuries are not serious and most passengers are complaining of back and neck pain. The out-of-service train was moving at slow speed. Even so, the front of the equipment is damaged, hinting to the power of the impact.
“I heard this loud boom at about a quarter to 8. It smelled like smoke. I thought I left a cigarette burning, or the candy factory is right here, so I’m used to smoke,” describes Moni Wright, who lives in the area.