Blue Line customers experienced delays in service overnight due to smoke in the subway near Logan Square. The source was determined to be a heater along the northbound track that malfunctioned, causing rail ties and the supports that hold the rail in place to smolder.
At the time of the incident, one northbound train was not able to proceed due to the smoke. The operator was able to return the train to the Logan Square station so that customers could exit. Two passengers reported smoke inhalation and were transported to a hospital by the Chicago Fire Department. Both were treated and released.
Initially, Blue Line service was suspended between Damen and Jefferson Park to allow for an investigation. A bus shuttle was established to transport customers between those stations.
Southbound Blue Line service was restored just before 2 a.m., which allowed the CTA to resume rail service using a single track. Due to single track operation, customers experienced 4 to 6 minute delays in service until approximately
6:30 a.m. when repairs to the northbound track were completed and normal service was restored.
CTA apologizes for any inconveniences created by the disruption and appreciates the patience of Blue Line riders throughout the overnight hours.
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