ABC7Chicago.com
November 10, 2006 - A track problem on the Red Line subway near the North and Clybourn station forced about 100 passengers to evacuate a train inside a CTA tunnel around 10 a.m. Friday. No injuries were reported.
The problem, according to the CTA, was with the electrified third trail track. One train was reportedly trapped in the tunnel between the North/Clybourn station and Clark/Division station. Passengers on that train were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Power to the tracks was shut down for the Red Line in the area. The trains are being re-routed over the elevated tracks between Fullerton and Roosevelt. Shuttle buses are also operating in both directions to help move passengers.
"What we are doing is making our ways in the tunnel to make sure both sides are clear so we can restore power," said Sheila Gregory, CTA spokeswoman.
It is not clear what led to the track problem, but initial reports of a small rubbish fire were incorrect, according to the CTA.
"We don't know at this point. We have crews down there. There is a section damaged. There was no fire. Thought that maybe that was the problem. There was no fire when they checked it out. There is nothing down there. Still looking into what may have caused the damage to the third rail but it will be repaired so we can restore service," said Gregory.
It is also not clear how many people were on the train that was evacuated.
"I don't have an estimate on that at this point. It did not occur during rush hour. This was right around 10:00 a.m. so the loads are usually a little bit lighter then. I don't have exact numbers," said Gregory.
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