Media Reports: No One On Train That Crashed Near Harlem

The out-of-service CTA Blue Line train that collided with an eight-car train near Harlem Avenue Monday was not occupied by an operator at the time of the crash, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Forest Park Village Administrator Tim Gillian said no one was in the car that hit a stationary passenger car at the Harlem stop according to early information on the crash.

Tim DePape, railroad accident investigator for NTSB said at a press briefing Monday afternoon he did not know whether anyone was on the train at the time of the collision. CTA spokesperson Brian Steele said the same thing at a press briefing earlier in the day. 

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The accident occurred about 7:43 a.m. Monday, when a four-car, out-of-service train left a rail yard in Forest Park and hit a stationary train occupied by about 40 people. Officials said 33 people were injured. No injuries were life-threatening. 

CTA and NTSB officials do not yet know how the train started to move. DePape said NTSB will first investigate whether the train's signal system was working properly, then look at whether the train had any mechanical issues. 

He said the majority of the damage is on the striking train and not the standing train. He said the damage was "extensive," and that the train cannot be used in its current condition.

• CTA Investigating Why Train Started Moving From Rail Yard, Caused Crash
• Injury Count Dropped to 33 in Blue Line Crash