(The following article by Mark J. Konkol was posted on the Chicago Sun-Times website on December 20.)
CHICAGO — Santa Claus had a bumpy ride Saturday when his CTA train jumped the tracks as he was coming downtown.
But don’t worry, kids, St. Nick and a dozen elves weren’t hurt when the holiday train and Santa’s sleigh got bucked on the Brown Line about 7:30 p.m.
“Santa is just fine. He even rode again the next day,” CTA spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said.
There were 74 people aboard when the front two wheels of the flatbed rail car carrying Santa and his helpers derailed over North Avenue.
The southbound train was going 10 mph, and no one was hurt. Passengers on the holiday train — decked out in Christmas lights and decorations
— were put on a different train.
The holiday train was back on track by 10:40 p.m and is set to continue spreading cheer with trips on the Yellow Line today, followed by final rides on the Purple and Red lines Wednesday and Thursday.