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Aggressive Braking and Slippery Conditions, Not Alcohol, Cited as Causes for 2023 CTA Yellow Line Crash
The derailed train. (Credit: Chicago Fire Department)
A 2023 collision between a CTA Yellow Line train and a snow plow on the tracks that left dozens injured was likely caused by multiple factors including aggressive braking and slippery conditions — but not alcohol — according to a new investigatory report.
While the train operator was found to have alcohol in his system at the time of the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board determined that this was not what caused the Nov. 16, 2023, collision north of the Howard Street CTA station.
“Although toxicology results show that the train operator had consumed ethanol and likely was experiencing some impairing effects of ethanol at the time of the collision, he responded to the zero-speed command quickly (within 1 second) and appropriately,” the NTSB wrote in its Jan. 29 report. “It is unlikely that effects of ethanol contributed to the collision.”
Instead, the NTSB pointed to three other probable causes: aggressive braking that resulted in wheel slide; the CTA’s decision to disable an automatic track brake feature, which further reduced the train’s braking performance; and the presence of fallen leaves and an organic gel-like substance on the rails near the accident site that made the conditions more slippery.
The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. According to the report, the train operator was aware the snow removal machine was on the tracks, but didn’t know where exactly it was. While heading southbound 54 mph — just below the maximum authorized speed of 55 mph — the operator received an in-cab alert commanding him to fully stop the train because the plow was stopped about 2,150 feet ahead.
The operator initiated a full-service braking application within one second, but later told investigators he noticed the train began sliding and wasn’t slowing as much as it should have, according to the report.
The train ultimately slowed to about 23 mph before striking the plow.
According to the report, 16 people were hospitalized, treated, and released, while three were critically injured, including the operator. The CTA estimated the collision resulted in approximately $8.7 million in damages.
The collision sparked multiple lawsuits and some new safety measures, including reduced speeds from 55 mph down to 35 mph.
