CTA employee found dead on Brown Line tracks in Loop, police say
The CTA says the employee's death appears to be accidental.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A CTA employee was found dead on tracks in the Loop overnight Saturday, the Chicago Police Department said.
The male employee was discovered near the station at South LaSalle and West Van Buren streets. A preliminary investigation indicated he may have made contact with the third rail, police said.
Brown and Orange line CTA train service were halted between Merchandise Mart and the Loop for the investigation.
The CPD and the Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene and a train conductor was transported from the scene for observation, CFD said.
The CTA released the following statement, saying the employee's death appears to be accidental:
The CTA has confirmed that the individual involved in the incident at LaSalle/Van Buren is a CTA employee. CTA is working closely with the police and fire departments to determine the circumstances of this incident, which appears to be accidental. The entire CTA family is saddened by this tragic loss, and we extend our condolences to the employee's family and loved ones. CTA will be offering support services for employees affected by this tragedy.
At 5:24 a.m., the CTA tweeted that service was resuming, but encouraged riders to allow extra traveling time.
Authorities did not provide further information about the incident. Area Three detectives are investigating.
