Tragic Collision: The Impact of Chicago’s 1972 Train Crash

On a cloudy morning rush hour in Chicago on October 30, 1972, the city experienced its worst train crash to date. The collision occurred between Illinois Central Gulf Train 416, comprised of newly bought Highliners, and the express Train 720 on what is now the Metra Electric Line. Train 416 overshot the 27th Street station and, without flag protection as per the railroad’s rules, attempted to back up to the platform with the conductor and engineer coordinating the move. However, the curve in the track obstructed their view, causing Train 416 to pass the block signals and collide with Train 720 traveling at full speed on the same track.

Sadly, the collision resulted in the front car of Train 720 telescoping the rear car of Train 416, leading to the tragic deaths of 45 individuals and injuries to 332 others. Investigations later revealed that Train 720 should have prevented the accident by observing the red light for Train 416 and traveling at a slower pace of 30 mph. Instead, the collision occurred at a speed of approximately 44-50 mph.

The proximity of Michael Reese Hospital and Mercy Hospital helped in reducing the potential death toll from the accident.