Railroad Accident Report
Collision of Amtrak Passenger Train 371 and Norfolk Southern Railway Company Freight Train 23M
Chicago, Illinois
November 30, 2007

NTSB Number: RAR-09/01
NTIS Number: PB2009-916301
PDF Document (721 KB)

Abstract: On Friday, November 30, 2007, Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) passenger train 371, consisting of one locomotive and three passenger cars, struck the rear of a standing Norfolk Southern Railway Company freight train near Chicago, Illinois. The forward portion of the Amtrak locomotive came to rest on top of a container on the rear car of the freight train. Sixty-six passengers and five crewmembers were transported to hospitals; two passengers and one crewmember were subsequently admitted. The weather was clear, and the temperature was 30º F. Estimated damage was $1,299,000.

As a result of its investigation of this accident, the Safety Board identified the following safety issues: wayside signal indication training and proficiency programs, crewmember communication and action in response to operating concerns, and inadequate locomotive cab emergency egress and rescue access.

As a result of its investigation of this accident, the National Transportation Safety Board makes recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the United Transportation Union, and the American Public Transportation Association.

Related information:

• Press Release
• Presentations