Why does Chicago call the train the L?
The Chicago “L” (short for “elevated”) is the rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and some of its surrounding suburbs in the U.S. state of Illinois. The “L” gained its name because large parts of the system run on elevated track.
What was the deadliest train crash in the US?
The Malbone Street Wreck
The Malbone Street Wreck (102 dead) All train crashes are tragic, but the Malbone Street Wreck is commonly considered the worst train crash in American history. On November 1, 1918, a packed Brighton Beach-bound train was speeding through a tunnel under Brooklyn’s Malbone Street.
What happens in a train derailment?
A derailment is when a train runs off its rail, either because of a collision with another object, a conductor error, mechanical track failure, broken rails, or defective wheels. A derailment doesn’t necessarily mean the train leaves the tracks – some may be minor.
When did the commuter train crash in Chicago happen?
A collision between two commuter trains in Chicago occurred during the cloudy morning rush hour on October 30, 1972, and was the worst such crash in Chicago’s history.
How many people died in the Chicago Loop derailment?
The collision forced the first four cars of the rear train off the elevated tracks, killing 11 people and injuring over 180 as the cars fell onto the street below. ” The Loop ” not only refers to Chicago ‘s central business district, but also a rectangular pattern formed by the city’s elevated trains.
What kind of trains were on the loop in 1977?
In 1977, when the crash occurred, there were three lines operating on the Loop, each in a different direction. The Ravenswood Line (current Brown Line) operated counter-clockwise around the loop, while the Evanston Express (current Purple Line) operated clockwise opposite from the Ravenswood trains.
What was the Green Line on the Chicago Loop?
The Lake–Dan Ryan Line (part of which is the current Green Line) operated in both directions, but only used the Lake and Wabash legs of the Loop. Earlier in the day of the accident, a switching issue forced dispatchers to reroute the Evanston Express to run counter-clockwise around the Loop instead of its normal clockwise route.