Commuters in Gary, Indiana faced unexpected delays on Monday morning after a South Shore Line train and a dump truck were involved in a collision near Gary Metro Center Station. According to a CBS News Chicago report, the crash occurred at approximately 7:43 a.m. at the crossing of 3rd Avenue and Rutledge Street. Officials stated the truck had circumvented the downed crossing gates moments before the incident.
The aftermath of the crash saw the suspension of train services in both directions, which caused subsequent travel disruptions for the morning commuters. Aerial footage shared by ABC7 Chicago showed the extent of the scene just after 9 a.m. Mark Terry, deputy chief of the Gary Fire Department, revealed in a statement obtained by CBS News Chicago that the dump truck was not carrying any load at the time of the crash, which to likely reduce the potential severity of the impact.
Fortunately, the incident resulted in only minor injuries, with two passengers requiring hospitalization. As Terry pointed out, "These happen more frequently than we'd like. Only two people with minor injuries. The potential was much greater." The train had been carrying a total of 102 passengers at the time of the mishap. The cause of the collision is still under thorough investigation.
South Shore confirmed that trains 214 and 216, bound for Chicago, were canceled, though service was resumed by 9:40 a.m., albeit with delays expected to last up to an hour. Passengers affected by the collision were provided with an alternative train to complete their journeys. Train 214 had an original scheduled arrival at Chicago's Millennium Park station at 8:38 a.m., with Train 216 due shortly after at 8:58 a.m. according to service announcements and details from CBS News Chicago.
