CHICAGO — A recent investigation has identified a combination of factors leading to a train accident in Chicago in November 2023 that resulted in numerous injuries. The findings were shared in a report released on Wednesday by federal investigators.

The incident occurred on November 16, 2023, when a train operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) collided with a slow-moving snow plow located on the tracks as it was heading toward downtown Chicago. The collision resulted in injuries to 38 individuals, including the train’s operator.

According to the report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), three significant elements contributed to this incident. Firstly, the train was operating under a high speed limit described as “aggressive.” Secondly, the CTA had turned off a system that would normally apply the brakes automatically when necessary, which hindered the operator’s ability to react promptly. Lastly, the presence of fallen leaves along with a “black gel-like” substance on the tracks created conditions that were notably slippery.

The report highlighted that this slippery material on the tracks likely exacerbated wheel slide, which diminished the effectiveness of the train’s braking system and made the crash more severe. “This substance made the rails slippery and likely aggravated the wheel slide, reducing the train’s braking performance and contributing to the severity of the collision,” the findings noted.

While prior investigations referenced that the operator had alcohol in their system, the report clarified that this was not a contributing factor to the crash. It stated that the driver reacted “quickly and appropriately” to the situation.

As of Wednesday, no comments had been received from the Chicago Transit Authority regarding the findings of the report.