The CTA operator had alcohol in his system during the 2023 Yellow Line train crash

CHICAGO (CBS)— The National Transportation Safety Board released its latest findings on last year's CTA Yellow train accident that injured dozens and led to multiple lawsuits against the agency.

The report was released by the federal agency in the last 24 hours. According to the report, the train operator's blood alcohol level was above the legal limit.

The two-car train crashed into a snowplow on the main tracks next to the Howard rail yard in Rogers Park around 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17, injuring 38 people, including seven CTA employees. 23 of them were taken to area hospitals and over 15 ambulances were called to the scene.

The investigation began immediately afterwards and less than an hour later, at 11:20 that morning, a blood sample was taken from the platoon leader.

According to the NTSB report, hospital tests showed the 47-year-old platoon leader had a blood alcohol level of 0.06. The legal limit for rail operators is 0.02.

Last year, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said The investigation team discovered a design flaw This led to the crash and caused the train's braking distance to be 1,780 feet, about 1,000 feet shorter than newer systems.

Four lawsuits have been filed in connection with the crash, all by the Clifford Law Firm. Those lawsuits claimed the crash was preventable.

CTA released a statement on the finding:

The NTSB's longstanding protocol regarding incidents is that involved agencies do not discuss details of an ongoing investigation and that all media inquiries about the incident are directed to that agency. We respect the NTSB protocol and will continue to follow it.

The CTA takes the safety of its employees and passengers extremely seriously. CTA's drug and alcohol policy and testing program for safety-sensitive employees, such as: B. their train and bus operators, comply with all federal regulations. CTA has several measures in place to monitor employee compliance with the policy to promote a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.

Security-conscious employees are subject to recruitment and return screening. If there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence of alcohol while on duty, they will also be subject to a drug/alcohol test. In accordance with federal law, CTA also conducts approximately 350-450 random drug and alcohol tests on its safety-related employees each month. Employees involved in accidents are required to undergo post-accident drug/alcohol testing.

In reviewing the information contained in this medical report, it is important to place it in the context of the NTSB's preliminary report issued in December, which states:

“The operator [of the incident train] immediately initiated emergency braking to stop the train. The driver then saw the snow removal machine and initiated emergency braking. ….”

The CTA continues to work closely with the NTSB as it continues its investigation into the Yellow Line collision last November.

The operator in question remains out of service.

CTA Yellow Line The service resumed operations in January. It is unclear how the investigation will continue and whether charges will be brought against the train operator.