(The following article by Maureen O’Donnell was posted on the Chicago Sun Times website on November 28.)
CHICAGO — A Department of Homeland Security camera may play a key role in probing last week’s Metra train accident in Elmwood Park.
Images from the camera — which is positioned to monitor the Grand Avenue crossing — will be enhanced to remove graininess, said investigative officials, who on Sunday performed a re-enactment of the chain-reaction wreck.
The Homeland Security camera “captured — on video — the scene before, during and after the crash,” said Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet.
“I think they will use it as an additional public-awareness tool on the danger of stopping on the track.”
The Antioch-bound train struck vehicles that were blocking the track in the 7600 block of Grand during Wednesday’s afternoon rush. By Metra’s count, the accident injured 16 and damaged 17 cars.
‘Engineer acted appropriately’
Sunday’s re-enactment, staged by investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Illinois Commerce Commission, used a slow-moving train and positioned cars on the track at the Grand crossing.
Probers used a laser to check distances, said Pardonnet and NTSB spokesman Paul Schlamm. “They want to see what the engineer could see and when he could see it,” Pardonnet said.
The engineer and crew members are “in good standing,” Pardonnet added. “The signals all appear to be working properly, and the engineer acted appropriately. . . . He was very observant. As soon as he saw the vehicles obstructing the track, he immediately put the train into the emergency brake mode and alerted the dispatcher of an emergency.”
NTSB acting director Mark Rosenker sees the crash as an opportunity to educate motorists, Pardonnet said. “He thought that this would be a model for rail safety throughout the world . . . there were so many vehicles involved.”
“Drivers have to be aware they are just inching along, bumper to bumper, and stopped on the railroad tracks,” Schlamm said. “The potential was there for a much more serious event.”