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# Chicago Operator Reportedly Fell Asleep Before O’Hare Train Crash

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/juj0oQZ9.m3u8" -->
## Video: Chicago Operator Reportedly Fell Asleep Before O’Hare Train Crash

[Watch (HLS stream): Chicago Operator Reportedly Fell Asleep Before O’Hare Train Crash](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/juj0oQZ9.m3u8) (1:45)

![Chicago Operator Reportedly Fell Asleep Before O’Hare Train Crash](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/juj0oQZ9/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2014-03-27. The operator of the train that crashed into Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Monday admitted she was sleeping at the time of the incident. Emergency brakes also failed to activate._


---

Jul 27, 2023 4:20 PM UTC

---

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[All Videos](https://time.com/video/)

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### Chaos At Chicago's O'Hare Airport As Europe Traveler Return

[Plane Catches Fire At O'Hare International Airport](/video/7DHFVMkc/)

### Plane Catches Fire At O'Hare International Airport

[32 Hurt After Train Derails At Chicago O’Hare](/video/1bPx1iIa/)

### 32 Hurt After Train Derails At Chicago O’Hare

---


## Transcript

The operator of a train that crashed into an escalator at Chicago's O'Hare Airport Monday admits she was asleep at the time. A National Transportation Safety Board investigator told WGN. She did admit that she dozed off prior to entering the Station. She did not awake again until the train hit close to the end of the bumper. Here's the incident again. The video was captured on CCTV. The train was reportedly traveling about 25 miles per hour, which is normal, when it jumped the tracks a little before 3 am. What doesn't make sense, though, according to authorities, is why the train didn't brake itself.

There's a track trip system, independant from the operator, meant to prevent this kind of wreck from happening. CNN reports, the trip arm set off the first two 41 feet away from the bumper. They engaged and should have halted the train on time. But they didn't. All I know is I heard something go boom! With a reported three break system in place, the NTSV still doesn't know why the Blue Line train didn't stop automatically. But should riders be forced to rely on the machine or the person driving it? Monday's operator had reportedly only been controlling trains for 60 days prior. She also reportedly told investigators she dozed off at the wheel and overshot a station before back in February.

The Chicago Tribune reports she received her assignments on a day to day basis which brings renewed focus to federal laws on fatigue management in the rail industry. As for the machine, WLS report Chicago Transit Authority is. Reducing the speed of trains coming into O'Hare from 25 miles to 15 miles per hour. The CTA will also reposition the emergency trip arm so a reported $ 6 million accident like this one doesn't happen again. At the same time, it will deal with lawsuits from those injured in the accident. WMA Key reports that at least have come forward with lawsuits so far. More than 30 people were hurt, no one was seriously injured.

I'm Lauren Korous, thanks for watching.

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