Freight Train Derails in Elgin

Milwaukee West Line Metra trains have been canceled until further notice

A freight train derailed early Thursday just west of Bartlett, causing severe Metra delays.

A northbound Canadian National freight train derailed after 5 a.m. at the railroad connection shared with Milwaukee West Metra trains between Elgin and downtown, transit officials said.

No injuries were reported.

The train derailed on the border of Elgin and Bartlett at Lambert Lane and Spaulding Road, fire officials said. Helicopter footage from Sky 5 showed more than 18 cars overturned and hazmat crews on the scene and firefighters from surrounding communities battling an on-and-off blaze.

As of 7:40 a.m., the fire was struck and cleanup slowly began.

According to early reports, some cars were carrying hazardous materials, but all materials were contained in the cars, according to Bartlett fire officials, and were not spilled. Nearby residents were not evacuated.

Milwaukee District West Line Metra trains west of Bartlett were stalled and held at the Big Timber station. Riders were shuttled to moving trains east of the derailment.

North Central Service, which shares the same line from River Grove to Chicago, will make all stops between the two to accommodate passengers, Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said.

The Milwaukee West line could be stalled over the weekend.

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