32 hurt in train derailment at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Thirty-two passengers have been injured after a Chicago Transit Authority train derailed and hit a platform at O’Hare International Airport early on Monday 24th March.

A city fire official has confirmed that the train’s front car had landed on an escalator and stairs.

The injuries were not life threatening, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford: “Fortunately nobody was on the staircase. Anybody on the staircase probably would have been killed.”

Langford said the eight-car train jumped a bumper at the end of the line just before 3:00 a.m. Chicago time.

Fire and transit officials said it was not clear how fast the train was moving. The cause of the derailment is under investigation, said transit spokeswoman, Tammy Chase. She said train service on part of the line may be suspended for up to 24 hours, but that bus shuttles were available.

The driver was not seriously hurt, Langford said.

The injured passengers, ranging from fair to serious condition, were taken to four local hospitals with mostly bumps and bruises, officials said.