**Cleanup Underway After Train Derailment in Matteson; Evacuation Order Lifted**
MATTESON, Ill. — A train derailment in the south suburban village of Matteson on Thursday morning has prompted a significant cleanup effort, though officials have assured the public that there is no immediate danger. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. near 21740 Main St., involved approximately 25 rail cars from the Canadian National Railway Company.
**Initial Response and Evacuation**
The derailment led to an evacuation order for nearby residents as a precautionary measure. Cassandra Montgomery, a Matteson resident, described the scene as chaotic, with police officers driving up and down the streets, urging people to evacuate due to concerns about a potential chemical spill. “It was louder than normal and it was longer than normal,” Montgomery said. “I heard, like, the loudest crash. You see the police officers driving up and down the street, telling people they need to evacuate, the first thing you think about is, like, ‘Oh my God!’ When they mention chemical spill.”
**Hazardous Material Concerns**
Initial fears were heightened by the sight of a leaking train car. However, emergency crews quickly contained the leak, and subsequent tests by Canadian National Railway Company revealed that the white powdery substance leaking from one of the cars was not hazardous. According to Homewood Fire Department regional hazmat specialist Steven DeJong, the substance was identified as plastic pellets. “When that chemical reaches a certain temperature, it just evaporates into the air. We have no readings or any hazards in the air,” DeJong explained.
**Public Safety and Cleanup Efforts**
Canadian National Railway Company confirmed that there was no threat to public safety. “Two railcars containing residues of Liquified Petroleum Gas leaked a limited amount of product, however the product was contained,” the company stated. “The other railcars that derailed but did not leak any product include non-dangerous goods, Caustic Soda and railcars containing residue of LPG. The precautionary evacuation which was initially initiated has since been lifted except for properties immediately adjacent to the site.”
By 1:30 p.m., the evacuation order was lifted for most residents, allowing them to return to their homes. Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin reassured the community, stating, “We are in control of this, and you are safe to go back home.”
**Impact on Local Transportation**
The derailment also affected local transportation, particularly the Metra Electric inbound and outbound trains from Chicago to University Park. Services were disrupted for a few hours but were cleared to pass through the area by early afternoon.
**Community Reactions**
Residents expressed a mix of shock and relief as the situation unfolded. Glenn Kirshaw, a local resident, recounted his experience: “I said, ‘Whoa! That’s, like, in my backyard,’ It said, ‘Bam!’ I said, ‘that’s pretty loud.’ I said, ‘It sounds like it’s almost running on the street.’ Cops were driving around with big megaphones and bullhorns, telling people to evacuate.”
**Ongoing Investigation**
The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation by local authorities, with Matteson police and fire crews assisting Canadian National Railway Company in security and mitigation efforts. Mayor Chalmers-Currin noted that several Illinois officials, including Governor JB Pritzker, had reached out following the incident.
**Historical Context and Safety Concerns**
This derailment is part of a broader pattern of train accidents in the region. An analysis by the ABC7 I-Team of federal data revealed that 231 trains have derailed since the beginning of 2022, with 61 of those incidents occurring in Cook County alone. These accidents have resulted in seven injuries. Chicago and suburban leaders continue to advocate for stricter federal regulations to enhance public safety.
**Conclusion**
As cleanup efforts continue, officials are urging the public to stay clear of the area to allow crews to work safely and efficiently. The timeline for the complete cleanup remains uncertain, but the immediate threat has been mitigated, and the community is gradually returning to normalcy.
Source: ABC7 Chicago, NBC Chicago
