2023 Chicago train crash
On November 16, 2023, a passenger train on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Yellow Line collided with maintenance snow-removal machinery near Howard station, resulting in injuries to 16 individuals.
Accident
At 10:39 a.m. CST on November 16, 2023, a Yellow Line train carrying one operator and 30 passengers was nearing its terminal at Howard station when it impacted stationary snow-clearing equipment staffed by six workers on the southern track. The lead car of the two-car train suffered partial crushing and derailed. Emergency responders deployed fifteen ambulances, attending to 16 injured people out of the total 37 occupants across both vehicles; three sustained critical injuries. The collision caused damage estimated at around $9 million.
Service on the Yellow Line was halted immediately after the event pending further investigation.
Train
The train involved was identified by investigators as a 5000-series set, specifically cars 5599 and 5600. The maintenance apparatus was a diesel snow removal vehicle manufactured by Niigata Transys, designated S-500.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) commenced an inquiry the day following the accident. Early indications pointed to possible operator error or incapacitation; however, an initial NTSB briefing highlighted that the Chicago Transit Authority had miscalculated required braking distances, a situation aggravated by slippery rail conditions.
According to the preliminary report released on December 12, 2023, the snow-removal machine had halted approximately north of a red signal. The southbound train was traveling at roughly behind the snowplow when it received the stop indication. Despite applying both service and emergency brakes, the train decelerated only to before striking the stationary equipment.
Aftermath
In response to the accident, Yellow Line operations were entirely suspended and substituted with bus services initially planned for five days. Following the NTSB’s preliminary findings, the CTA lowered speed limits on the Yellow Line from to , with a further reduction to near the crash location. The line resumed service on January 5, 2024, and by April 20, 2025, speed restrictions were lifted for most sections, restoring limits to .
See also
- O'Hare station train crash, an incident on the Blue Line where a train overran a bumper and ascended an escalator.