Personal Injury Law

Chicago Train Accident: Fire on CTA Red Line Injures 19

A fire that broke out on the CTA Red Line on Sunday sent at least 19 people to the hospital. Investigators are trying to determine what started the extra-alarm blaze that broke out before 5p on the underground northbound track between the Chicago Avenue and Clark/Division stops.

Five people sustained serious injuries, which included smoke inhalation and respiratory problems. One train passenger, Andrew Schad, is quoted in the Chicago Tribune as saying that no one gave the passengers instructions regarding what to do.

The train began to fill with smoke and people started to choke and cough. Some people reportedly started banging on the train operator?s door while others crouched on the ground while covering their faces with their shirts. A number of passengers tried to open the doors while others dialed 911. By the time the train had stopped at the Clark/Division station, the passengers were running for the exits.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the railroad fire.

Smoke Inhalation
Smoke inhalation is actually the number one cause of fire-related deaths. Some 50-80% of fire fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation. Signs of smoke inhalation include:

? Shortness of breath
? Coughing (mucus can be clear or black)
? Noisy or hoarse breathing
? Red eyes
? Change in skin color
? Soot in the throat or nostrils
? Swollen nasal passages
? Headaches
? Nausea
? Vomiting
? Fainting
? Confusion
? Seizures
? Coma

19 injured in CTA Red Line fire, Chicago Tribune, June 20, 2010

19 hurt in CTA Red Line fire on the Near North Side, Chicago Sun-TImes, June 21, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Chicago Transit Authority

Fire Deaths and Injuries: Fact Sheet, CDC

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on June 22, 2010 (boomark / email).