Freight train derails in Gurnee

A freight train derailment in Gurnee Sunday morning caused a brief power outage, affecting traffic signals at Route 132 and Hunt Club Road, authorities said.

Gurnee fire Battalion Chief John Skillman said a freight train was headed north along a line that runs through Gurnee at approximately 10 a.m. Sunday.

At 10:21, they received a call that 10 cars had derailed behind Little Lady Foods, a frozen food manufacturer at 1903 Swanson Court.

No hazardous materials were involved, he said. There were several empty cars, three cars that contained lumber and a couple that contained rails and other steel.

Skillman said the train hit a wire that went up into the ComEd lines and popped a breaker, cutting off power to Little Lady Foods.

The train also knocked down a pole that contained communication wires, he said.

“Several rails appeared to be twisted or pulled away from wooden ties underneath,” he said.

The power was restored at approximately 11:30 a.m., Skillman said

It will likely take several days to clear the area, authorities said. Because it’s strictly a freight line, no commuter traffic will be affected.

No roads were closed as the result of the derailment, according to police.

ComEd spokesman Tony Hernandez said only two customers lost power for a short time as a result of the derailment.