CTA fires operator of train that struck and killed woman retrieving phone, says in-cab video shows ‘failure to devote attention to duty’

By Mary Wisniewski

Chicago Tribune

The CTA has fired the operator of a train that struck and killed a woman who climbed down on the tracks last month to retrieve her phone.

The operator was looking away from the tracks ahead of him for about 12 seconds before the June incident at the 69th Street Red Line stop, according to a video recording taken inside the train cab and provided by the CTA in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.