Rueben Castro Killed In Chicago After Fall Onto Electrified Rail At Merchandise Mart CTA Station

Rueben Castro Died After Falling Onto Electrified Train Tracks In Chicago At Merchandise Mart CTA Station

Rueben Castro Killed In Chicago After Fall Onto Electrified Rail At Merchandise Mart CTA Station

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 18, 2022) – A 31-year-old man identified as Rueben Castro died after falling on electrified third rail at a Chicago Transit Authority station.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:20 p.m. on Friday. Rueben Castro fell onto an electrified third rail and and sustained serious injuries.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Rueben Castro was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Chicago Train Station Accidents

Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/), property owners have “a duty to warn of or otherwise take reasonable steps to protect such entrants from conditions on the premises that are known to the entrant, are open and obvious, or can reasonably be expected to be discovered by the entrant; a duty to warn of latent defects or dangers or defects or dangers unknown to the owner or occupier of the premises.” There are a number of ways that a train station could be in a dangerous condition.

  • The floor of a train station could be slick which may cause someone to fall over.
  • The floor of a train station could be uneven or have cracks which could lead to falls.
  • A train station may lack signs which indicate certain areas are electrified.
  • Unguarded current carrying metal will typically need to be grounded or thoroughly insulated.

When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their property, they must take action to remedy the danger. Failing to correct a dangerous condition could form the basis of a negligence claim. It can be hard to know where to begin after any train station accident. But it is important for accident victims to know that they do have rights. The family of any person that is killed in a train station may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating A Chicago Train Station Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Rueben Castro. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about a Chicago train station accident? Our team of consumer safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you jus have legal questions or need a free investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.