This is why there won't be any EMUs on the Caltrain tracks. The FRA can't approve light rail type technology on a heavy rail system that is used by freight. No major accidents on the Caltrain route so far? Just lucky! As you all know, Amtrak is the actual operator of the trains, under sole-source contract with the Joint Powers Board, and is managed by Caltrain.

M

At least 5 seriously hurt as trains collide

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- At least five Amtrak crew members were critically or seriously injured Friday when their train collided with a freight train traveling on the same track, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said.

Picture: The Amtrak train's engine rests atop one of the freight train's cars.

About 100 of the 150 passengers were "walking wounded," he said, injured when the train came to a sudden stop. Medical personnel was examining them.

The Amtrak No. 371 train was coming from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Video showed the Amtrak train on top of one of the freight train's cars.

It was not immediately clear why the two trains were on the same track, Langford said.

Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black said Amtrak did not yet know the severity of the accident. Amtrak officials from Midwest Operations were en route to the scene.

Black said the train is known as "The Pere Marquette" and is a daily train that travels from Grand Rapids to Chicago. E-mail to a friend

Copyright 2007 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

-- 








**********************

Martin Engel
1621 Stone Pine Lane
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650:323-1670
martinengel@earthlink.net


**********************