CHICAGO (AP) – Federal security officers mentioned Friday they’ve launched an investigation right into a Chicago commuter practice crash that injured practically 40 folks however they`re seemingly greater than a 12 months away from releasing any conclusions about what brought about the incident.

Nationwide Transportation Security Board Chairperson Jennifer Homendy mentioned throughout a brief information convention Friday {that a} workforce of seven investigators from her company has began documenting the scene of the crash. They anticipate to spend about 5 days on the scene.

The investigators haven’t reviewed occasion recorders or video of the incident but, she mentioned. The company expects to problem a preliminary report in a matter of weeks, she mentioned, however didn`t specify when. The company will seemingly want a 12 months to 18 months to provide a closing report with an evaluation of what occurred, conclusions and proposals, Homendy mentioned.

The Chicago Transit Authority practice was heading south from Skokie on Thursday morning when it rear-ended snow-removal gear that was shifting forward of it on the identical tracks. Thirty-eight folks have been damage; 23 have been taken to space hospitals. Nobody suffered life-threatening accidents, in response to paramedics.

It stays unclear whether or not the practice operator noticed the gear and tried to decelerate or cease the practice earlier than the collision. It`s additionally unclear whether or not the operator had been warned the gear can be on the tracks.

Homendy had no particulars Friday on the practice`s velocity or what might have precipitated the crash.

Jim Southworth, the NTSB investigator main the probe into the crash, mentioned the practice was geared up with an computerized practice management system that’s designed to assist stop collisions by stopping the practice in sure circumstances. Homendy mentioned investigators will look into what function, if any, the system performed within the crash.

The NTSB has mentioned that system isn’t as complete because the newer computerized braking system generally known as Constructive Prepare Management. Congress required most railroads to put in Constructive Prepare Management within the wake of a 2008 collision between a commuter and freight practice in California that killed 25 and injured greater than 100.

Photograph: Chicago Fireplace Division and Chicago Police Division personnel triage sufferers work the scene after a Chicago Transit Authority practice crashed into a bit of kit that was on the rails close to the Howard CTA station on the North Aspect, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023 in Chicago. (Ashlee Rezin /Chicago Solar-Occasions by way of AP)

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