Chicago Commuter Train Derails, Eighteen Injured, Cars Tilt Off Tracks, Rescue Teams Evacuate Passengers

Chicago, United States— A commuter train derailed outside Chicago on October 31, 2026, sending 18 passengers to the hospital and shutting down a busy rail corridor during morning rush.

The derailment happened at 7:52 a.m. on Metra’s BNSF line near Cicero, just west of the city. The train was inbound to Union Station with about 250 passengers. It was traveling at 52 miles per hour when three cars left the tracks. The lead car stayed upright. The next two tilted at 30 degrees.

Metra said 18 people were taken to hospitals with injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises. None were life-threatening. Many more were treated at the scene for shock. One passenger said the car shook violently, then lights went out. Bags flew. People screamed. Then it stopped, leaning.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived within 10 minutes. They set up triage on the ballast. They used ladders to help passengers climb out of tilted cars. Some crawled through windows. A woman said she helped an elderly man who was stuck between seats. She said everyone was calm until they smelled diesel.

The cause was not immediately known. The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a team. Track inspectors found a broken rail about 200 meters before the derailment point. They said it was too early to link the two. The line had been inspected last week, according to Metra records.

Service was halted on the BNSF line. More than 30,000 commuters were affected. Metra ran buses between stations. Traffic on nearby I-290 jammed as people drove instead. Union Station was crowded with confused passengers looking at departure boards that showed cancellations.

This line has had issues before. In 2023, a similar derailment injured five near the same location. A union representing track workers said staffing for inspections was short. Metra said safety was its top priority and that it would cooperate fully.

The damaged cars were still on the embankment by evening. Cranes were brought in to lift them. The 18 injured were reported stable. Investigators were measuring wheel marks on the ties. The line was expected to stay closed until tomorrow.