Metra Experiencing Extensive Delays After Train Struck by Lightning

A Metra train on the Union Pacific North Line was struck by lightning Tuesday morning in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side. 

Outbound train No. 309, scheduled to arrive in Kenosha at 8:18 a.m., was stopped shortly before 7:30 a.m. when it was struck by lightning, causing a mechanical failure near the Rogers Park Station, 7000 N. Ravenswood Ave., according to an alert from Metra. 

"Outbound trains are experiencing extensive delays due to train #309 being struck by lightning which resulted in a mechanical problem," the announcement read. "Please listen to platform announcements for the location of your train or refer to Track Your Train for current delay information. Metra apologizes for this inconvenience."

The duration of the delay was not immediately known. 

Outbound train No. 311, scheduled to arrive in Winnetka at 7:18 a.m., was also stopped in the area, according to the transit agency. Also, all inbound trains were operating up to 15 minutes behind scheduled due to signal failure caused by the lightning strike. 

Metra spokesman Tom Miller said no injuries were reported. 

Customers were urged to listen to platform announcements for the location of trains or refer to Track Your Train for current delay information.

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