Freight train derails in Elk Grove Village, closes Elmhurst Road

A freight train derailed in Elk Grove Village early Monday morning, closing a portion of Elmhurst Road for much of the day but causing no injuries or significant rail delays, according to authorities.

Union Pacific spokesman Mark Davis said two locomotives and five cars from a 68-car freight train derailed about 2:47 a.m. near Elmhurst Road.

Three of the five cars were carrying soybean oil, Davis said. A fourth car contained a corn product and a fifth was filled with plastic pallets, he said.

There were no injuries reported, but about 1,000 feet of track was damaged and will need to be replaced. Davis said the derailment happened off the main track, so it did not affect other train routes. The train was traveling from Northlake to the Elk Grove Village area, he added.

Elk Grove Deputy Police Chief Chuck Walsh said there were no hazards or leaks from the derailment. Elmhurst Road was closed in both directions between Pratt Boulevard and Arthur Avenue until about 3:15 p.m., he said.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation.