January 24th, 2011 | 
Author: ELGIN, IL – Just before 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, January 16, 2011, 8 cars of a Canadian Pacific freight train derailed in the south side of Elgin, IL.
Most of Elgin, Illinois lies in Kane County with some portions residing in Cook County. The city of Elgin is about 40 miles northwest of Chicago.
The Canadian Pacific freight train derailment happened on a track that is shared with Metra’s Milwaukee District/West passenger rail line. The tracks were pretty mangled in the incident and the Metra commuter rail agency anticipated that there would be some delays for passengers.
Metra setup shuttle buses to transport passengers while cleanup crews made repairs to the tracks and removed the damged rail cars. Officials expected that busing might have to continue through Monday.
The location of the mishap was right near the entrance to the Fox River Water Reclamation District plant at Purify Drive and Raymond Street.
Location of Canadian Pacific freight train derailment in Elgin, IL near Purify Drive and Raymond Street on Sunday, January 16, 2011.
The 71-car Canadian Pacific train was traveling westbound en route from Savannah, IL when the derailment occurred. According to reports, the train was carrying hazardous materials, but none of the derailed cars that were affected were carrying any hazardous material. Seven of the eight cars were carrying coils of steel cables. The other rail car was hauling cornstarch.
The 8 rail cars that jumped the tracks landed in a ditch next to the tracks. Fortunately, no one was injured and there were no reports of injuries to railroad workers.
The cause of the accident is not known, but is currently under investigation by the Metra commuter rail agency and the Canadian Pacific Railroad. The Elgin Fire Department was also involved to determine if there was any situation with regard to possible hazardous materials.
Published by FELA attorneys Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP
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