Blue Line Fire

A Blue Line train derailled and caught fire. The train was shut down in both directions from Washington to Damen. The #56 bus, an alternate route, was packed and impossible to get on. This is everyone walking home on Milwaukee Avenue.


All you could hear in the West Loop were sirens and helicopters


All you could hear in the West Loop were sirens and helicopters


Fire Trucks, Police Cars, Ambulances at every turn


Fire Trucks, Police Cars, Ambulances at every turn


SMOKE! For the first time ever, it didn’t smell like chocolate by Blommer’s. It smelled like smoke. Is this where the Blue Line goes underground?


SMOKE! For the first time ever, it didn’t smell like chocolate by Blommer’s. It smelled like smoke. Is this where the Blue Line goes underground?


Smoke was pouring out of this vent. Is this where the Blue Line goes underground?


Evacuee


Evacuee


Chicago Fire Department


Chicago Police


People waiting for a bus that won’t let them on


Walking home


Trying to hail a cab


People walking home


People waiting for a bus that won’t let them on


Security saying “You can’t get on the Blue Line til Damen” (This was at Chicago/Milwaukee)


People waiting for a bus that won’t let them on


#56 is not coming

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset

Damen Stop at Sunset
Damen Blue Line Stop, Wicker Park, Chicago

Lately when it’s nice outside and I’m not too tired from work I get off at the Damen blue line stop instead of the Division stop, which is closer to my house. Damen isn’t that much farther away and allows me to take a nice walk through the neighborhood before going home. The stop I get on in the Loop is very strip mall-ish and the Division stop is underground, kind of New Yorkish. Both are underground. The Damen stop is above ground, cute and unique.

Update: Kevin @ Forgotten NY sent me a link to a ton of information and photographs of the Damen station. Take a look. It’s interesting – the station dates back to 1895.