Four people were hurt early Monday morning after two cars collided on either side of a train near 90th and Halsted on Chicago’s South Side.
The train was traveling east when the engineer noticed the crossing lights weren't working. The cars crashed on both sides of the tracks.
One hit the freight train, wedging itself under the train. The other hit one of the train's connectors.
Paramedics rushed the four people to Stroger and Christ hospitals just after 3 a.m.
One of the victims, 44-year-old Dahveed Morris, has since been released from Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center. Another remains there, but authorities said the injuries were not life-threatening.
The two others taken to Stroger Hospital have been upgraded to good condition.
"Apparently the gate was not working and the lights were not working on the train tracks," Chicago Fire Departmen Deputy Chief Arriel Gray said. "The engineer of the train put out flares, but apparently they were not seen by the approaching vehicles."
Several people told NBC Chicago that the lights and crossing gate have been malfunctioning for at least a few months.
"The train was very difficult to see," Gray said. "As we were approaching ourselves ... you can see the cars are black, it was difficult to see. Without the warning lights or the gates down, it made it difficult for approaching cars to see the train."
Police say alcohol is not believed to be involved.
