CTA Green Line train derails at 63rd, Calumet

Eric Horng Image
Thursday, August 6, 2015
CTA Green Line resumes service
The CTA Green Line has resumed normal service after a train derailed near 63rd and Calumet Wednesday afternoon.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- No one was injured when a CTA Green Line train derailed in Washington Park just before the Wednesday afternoon rush.

The train derailed around 2:40 p.m., at which time Green Line service was suspended between the Cottage Grove and Garfield stops. Service resumed in the affected area around 7:15 p.m.

Chicago firefighters helped the almost 80 passengers, two of whom were in wheelchairs, off the train and escorted them along the elevated catwalk to the ground below.

"We kept them on the train until we had CTA confirm the power was off in both directions. We had CTA and fire personnel and police actually assisting us to make sure we had nobody falling off the train," District Chief Timothy Sampey, Chicago Fire Department, said.

Passengers said they heard a popping sound before the train started leaning.

"Just a loud pop sound went. And then the next thing I know, the train me and my kids were on, that train was leaning over," Laresa Bellamy said. "It was just a scary moment."

The passengers were all checked out by paramedics at the scene. No injuries were reported.

The CTA is still investigating, but it appears the third car of the four-car train derailed. The train was removed from the tracks later Wednesday evening as crews evaluate any possible track damage.