CTA Green Line Train Derails On South Side

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Service on the Green Line has been restored after a train derailed on Wednesday afternoon.

The four-car train left the tracks around 2:45 p.m. near 63rd Street and Calumet Avenue, officials said.

No injuries were reported and the CTA says the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Sources tell CBS 2 a derailment on the Green Line was caused by a switch thrown by mistake by a CTA manager who was on the scene at track level. The area is known for having switching problems and a crew may have been working there at the time.

A rider named Rita told CBS 2's Brad Edwards that she heard an "explosion."

The train appeared to jump the tracks around a curve near 63rd Street. (Credit: Mark Losinecki)

Power was shut off as emergency crews responded to the accident.

Service was suspended between Cottage Grove and Garfield, with no trains operating south of Garfield. Shuttle buses provided connecting service through the affected area.

The CTA said in a text alert that commuters should use No. 3, 4, 55 and 63 buses. The No. 63 bus was also being rerouted around the accident scene, between 63rd and 61st streets.

The view from the ground near 63rd and Calumet after a Green Line train derailed on Wednesday. (Credit: Samira Kanacevic/CBS)

Riders, a total of 78 were on the train, were seen climbing off the train with assistance from Chicago firefighters.

All occupants had been moved from the disabled train by 3:20 p.m.

(Credit: Brad Edwards)
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