Metra SWS running with extensive delay after freight train strikes vehicle in Back of the Yards
CHICAGO (CBS) – Inbound and outbound Metra SWS trains are operating with an extensive delay after a freight train struck a car in the Back of the Yards neighborhood Wednesday morning.
The crash impacted trains #804, originally scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:42 a.m., and #803, scheduled to depart at 7:27 a.m.
Inbound and outbound trains are on the move and operating with an extensive delay due to an earlier freight train striking a vehicle. Updated at 9:00 a.m.
— Metra SWS (@metraSWS) August 2, 2023
Chicago police said around 7:04 a.m., a 48-year-old woman was driving a Honda CR-V across the railroad tracks, in the 3900 block of South Racine Avenue, when the crossing gates went down.
The woman attempted to reverse off the tracks but couldn't get around the gates. The freight train then struck the front of the SUV, police said.
She was taken to Insight Hospital in good condition with minor injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
Metra police said it happened on a set of Norfolk Southern tracks, and the scene is getting close to being cleared.
Trains #803, #805, #812, and #814 will not be in operation.
Due to a freight train striking a vehicle near Ashland the following trains will not operate:
— Metra SWS (@metraSWS) August 2, 2023
Train #803, scheduled to depart Chicago at 7:27 a.m.
Train #805, scheduled to depart Chicago at 8:27 a.m.
Train #812, scheduled to depart 179th St., at 8:42 a.m.
Train #814, scheduled to depart Manhattan at 9:56 a.m., will not operate. Train #816, scheduled to depart 179th St., at 11:12 a.m., will accommodate passengers. Passengers at Manhattan and Laraway Road should travel to 179th St., to board train #816.
— Metra SWS (@metraSWS) August 2, 2023
Customers can visit metra.com for updates.