Metra derailment disrupts morning commute on Electric Line

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Commuters on Metra's Electric Line faced delays following the derailment of one car in a rail yard near Richton Park, south of Chicago.

According to Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile, the derailment blocked the main line between Richton Park and University Park. No trains are operating south of Matteson during the Tuesday morning rush hour.

Reile said the derailment also decreased the amount of equipment operating along the line. Commuters are advised to expect delays and crowded trains.

Metra is asking commuters who can to use Rock Island District trains or the South Shore trains out of Hegewisch. Those rail lines will honor tickets purchased for use on the Electric Line.

According to Reile, the derailment was caused by a broken rail, and may have damaged a switch. There were no injuries.