A tragic train collision occurred earlier today at the Norfolk Southern rail yard in Chicago's Fuller Park neighborhood. The incident involved a freight train and a stationary FedEx semi-truck, which led to significant damage according to the Chicago Tribune and the unfortunate loss of a life, as confirmed by the Chicago Fire Department.
350 west Garfield Norfolk and Southern rail yard. A freight train has struck a semi Semi was stopped on tracks on rail property updated information indicates we have a fatality CFD is making recovery. (Langford)
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) November 20, 2023
Representing Norfolk Southern, Spokesperson Connor Spielmaker extended his condolences to the grieving family and colleagues. In a statement, he confirmed, "Our thoughts are with their family and colleagues during this difficult time". He also affirmed the company's cooperation with first responders and promised to investigate the incident quickly according to the Chicago Tribune.
Images from the accident scene revealed devastation. The semi-truck was wedged between two freight trains, a horrifying image captured by Chopper 2 and reported by CBS News. The force from the impinging train pushed the cab into the trailer of the adjacent train, causing both to derail. At the time of the crash, the semi-truck was stationary, and recovery efforts are ongoing.
