PRESS RELEASE
CRANE ACCIDENT WITH BLOCKAGE OF BURLINGTON NORTHERN RAILROAD TRACKS
Issued on August 15, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
Issued by Acting Fire Chief James Connolly
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) was erecting a cantilevered signal over the main line railroad tracks at Burlington Avenue and Grant Street in Westmont, Illinois. At approximately 11:51 a.m., the mobile crane was lifting the cantilevered signal and tipped over onto the tracks blocking all three rail tracks. BNSF personnel are in the process of removing the cantilevered signal and the damaged crane. All passenger and freight railroad traffic remains stopped in both directions. The minimum estimated time to clear the tracks is 3:00 p.m., although the process could take longer.
There were no injuries to BNFS personnel or bystanders. Damage is primarily to BNFS equipment, although there is also damage to Verizon fiber optic cables, and Verizon service has been affected. Westmont Police and Westmont Fire Departments, Metra Police, Commonwealth Edison, and Verizon are assisting BNSF as needed. Updates will be issued when necessary.
