Archive for December 5th, 2010

CTA Train vs car

Last weekend, Tim Olk was on the scene of a collision between a CTA Brown Line train and an SUV at 4600 N. Kedzie, in Chicago. Tim arrived in time to photograph the extrication. The driver of the car sustained serious injuries and the train derailed as a result of the collision.

CTA Brown Line train crash

As firefighters survey the crash site and access the damage, others work to connect the hydraulic lines to the portable generator before the extrication can begin. Tim Olk photo

CTA Brown Line train crash

Firefighters work to free the driver from this vehicle after it was hit by a CTA Brown Line train which is visible in the background. It was unknown at the time as to why the driver was stopped on the tracks. Tim Olk photo

CTA Brown Line train crash

The train impacted the car on the driver's side and then partially derailed before coming to rest at the station platform. Tim Olk photo

An extensive gallery with roughly 100 images can be seen on Tim’s site HERE.

The Chicago Tribune has a brief article about the incident HERE.

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CFD 3-11 (part 3)

Tim Olk arrived at the 3-11 on Friday before Steve Redick, and Tim provided several images depicting operations which took place prior to the images that were posted HERE.

Chicago Fire Department 3-11 Lincoln Avenue

Firefighters direct a hand line into the front of the carpet store after companies were pulled out of the building. Behind these firefighters, the foam transmission system can be seen as high-expansion foam is being directed into the building. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department 3-11 Lincoln Avenue

A shot of sector 1 after the fire broke through the roof shows several hand lines in use as well as elevated master streams from Squad 1 and Tower Ladder 21. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department 3-11 alarm Lincoln Avenue

Firefighters work to position the baskets in order to find a spot that will allow them to direct their master streams for maximum impact. Before they can begin flowing water again, they use hand tools to gain access behind the mansard facia. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department 3-11 alarm Lincoln Avenue

Foam unit 6-3-1 is aligned with the front door of the store to provide access for applying the foam. Water is added to the foam concentrate and the fans blow the foam through a large tube, forcing it into the building to extinguish the basement fire. The foam is very light and a percentage of it blows out along the street as well. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department 3-11 alarm Lincoln Avenue

This shot beautifully illustrates the foam delivery procedure and the obvious overflow that is inherent with this application. The 4-foot diameter tubing allows the fire department to send a tremendous volume of foam into the building. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department 3-11 alarm Lincoln Avenue

Another view from sector 1 shows Squad 1 directing their master stream through the mansard facia into a hole created when the large sign fell away. The elevated position and proximity of the firefighter in the bucket provides for much greater accuracy in the placement of the stream than can be achieved by hand lines or master streams directed from street level. Tim Olk photo

Tim has posted almost 600 photos from this fire in a gallery which can be seen HERE.

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