Spill on Metra line causes accidents, delays

CHICAGO The accident also created problems at some of the railroad crossings. Officials spread sand on the tracks to make sure that cars did not lose control. There were several reports of cars spinning out and at least one motorcycle as well. The fire department used high-pressure hoses to clean up the mess.

Trains eventually moved through the area slowly but commuters traveling on the Union Pacific West Line from Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown faced delays of about an hour and a half.

"Any time something happens between 3 and 3:30, it's hard to get buses to transport around the station. It causes severe delays, and they will probably last throughout the evening, because it takes a long time for the equipment to be in the right place at the right time,"said Metra spokesperson Judy Pardonnet.

No serious injuries were reported.