CTA

CTA train crash in Chicago: What we know so far

CTA says the crash occurred when a Yellow Line train made contact with "rail equipment" in the Howard Rail Yard

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A crash involving a Chicago Transit Authority train in Chicago has led to numerous injuries and service disruptions on multiple lines, authorities said Thursday.

Here's a look at what we know so far:

Where did the crash happen?

According to the Chicago Fire Department, the crash happened at 7519 N. Paulina, between Evanston and Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood.

What happened?

In a statement, the CTA said the incident occurred at 10:39 a.m., when the agency received reports of a Yellow Line train "making contact with rail equipment in the Howard Rail Yard."

How many people were injured?

At a Thursday afternoon press conference, CFD said at least 38 people were evaluated by medical personnel after the crash. Of those, 23 were transported to area hospitals. At least three were critically injured. No life-threatening injuries were reported, CFD said.

Four of those injured were children, CFD said during the update. Additionally, one person required a "special rescue" from the Evanston Fire Department, a tweet from the Evanston Police Department said.

Which rail lines and streets are shut down due to the crash?

According to the Evanston Fire Department, the CTA has shut off power to the Red and Purple lines.

"Both Yellow and Purple line service has been temporarily suspended," the CTA said. "Yellow Line riders should use the #97 Skokie bus route as an alternative. Purple Line riders can use the #205 Chicago/Golf bus route or other adjacent bus route."

The CTA also said Red Line train service has been temporarily suspended between Howard and Thorndale.

Several streets in the area are closed, the Evanston Police said, including Chicago Avenue between South Boulevard and Howard Street.

"Terrible news out of Chicago this afternoon," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker tweeted. "My administration is closely monitoring the train derailment on the North Side and will direct any available resources needed. Thank you to the CFD firefighters and first responders on the scene."

What don't we know?

Details on the total number of passengers on the train and what exactly led to the crash remain unclear.

It was also not immediately clear how fast the train was traveling at the time of the crash.

This is a breaking news story that will be updated as more information becomes available.

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