Behind The Hate-Green Line Derailed

A CTA Green Line train derailed in the South Side Washington Park neighborhood Wednesday morning, injuring at least 14 passengers, though none critically.

Ten other passengers and a CTA employee declined treatment, officials said at the scene of the derailment at the 59th Street junction near Garfield.

Authorities were informed of the derailment near 5900 South Prairie at 10:10 a.m., according to Fire Media Affairs Asst. Director Eve Rodriguez. Ten ambulances were sent to the scene.

Of the 14 passengers taken to area hospitals, 11 suffered “very minor” injuries while emergency personnel used backboards to transport three others, said Chicago Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco.

Investigators were trying to understand why two of the four cars of the train came off the track, said Orozco.

Service was restored on the Green Line north of 55th around noon. South of 55th, the CTA was using shuttles. CTA president Ron Huberman said he hoped to have full service restored by this afternoon’s rush hour.

Passengers experienced an abrupt stop aboard the L train as its wheels left the track.

One passenger on the train, Aaron Hamilton, used a cell phone to call his fiance Annetta Ross.

“Everyone was shook up,’’ said Ross, who described how passengers shared a cell phone to call friends and family members following the derailment.

Asked if the derailment might discourage her from riding the L in the future, Ross replied, “I don’t even like the train, anyway.’’

SOURCE SUNTIMES NEWS GROUP