TRAIN DERAILMENT NEAR JOLIET
On the evening of September 8, 2008, an Amtrak train heading from St. Louis to Chicago derailed south of Joliet. The cause of the derailment is unknown at this time, but a set of wheels reportedly jumped the track. The train cars remained upright.
According to the Chicago Suntimes, the power remained on inside the train and the passengers were ultimately transported to their final destinations, Joliet, Summit, and Chicago’s Union Station by bus.
There have been a number of passenger train derailments in the Chicagoland area in recent years on trains operated by Metra, Amtrak and the CTA. On May 28, 2008, an “el” train derailed leaving more than a dozen people injured. On July 11, 2006, a Blue Line train derailed causing a fire that injured more than 150 people. The NTSB report on the derailment identified poor track conditions as a safety issue related to the crash. On October 12, 2003, a Metra train derailed near 47th and Federal. On September 17, 2005, a Metra train derailed at the same location leaving 117 injured. The NTSB reported that the train derailed at a crossover that had a designated speed of 10 m.p.h. The train was traveling at 69 m.p.h. through the crossover.
Litigation arising out of a train derailment is complicated and requires an experienced lawyer. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a train accident, please feel free to contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll and we can assist you.
