A Canadian National mixed traffic freight train derailed in West Chicago just beyond the Union Pacific 3 track crossing this evening. A large number of CN and UP employees swarmed the area, so we were unable to get closer to determine the extent/number of cars off the track. The track was in an enclosed area. Two flat bed semis with panel track were on the scene plus a truckload of emergency lighting. Wheeled Caterpillar tractors with booms were working to right a car. Fortunately the CN/EJ&E crossing tower was not damaged. We queried a MOW employee about the cause of the derailment and he said it was a broken wheel. The 2nd locomotive on the train was the orange EJ&E/"J" heritage unit - it was not damaged or derailed.
This is a popular train watching spot for railfans.
