Crash probe focuses on driver's log book: source

Chicago Police were still investigating Saturday the cause of a Friday rush-hour accident in which a semi-tractor trailer plowed into the Cermak/Chinatown CTA L station, killing two women and injuring 21 other people.

And the truck driver, Don Wells, 51, was still being questioned by police late Saturday but had not been charged.

Killed were Elosia Guerrero, 47, and Delisia Brown, 18.

By Saturday, the last of the injured had been released from area hospitals.

According to sources, police planned to review the log book of the truck driver -- who has declined to take a urine test -- in an effort to determine if he was taking drugs to stay awake.

The truck came barreling down a Dan Ryan Expy. exit ramp during Friday's rush hour, crashing into the bus stop outside the L station, then into the station's escalator.

Chicago Police are reviewing CTA video surveillance, as well as asking anyone with information regarding the accident to contact the Major Accidents Investigation Unit at (312) 745-4521.

"We're urging them to contact us with anything they may have seen leading up to the accident," police spokeswoman Monique Bond said.

She declined to comment on what Wells had told police.

Witnesses Friday described a deafening screech, grinding metal, and then a loud boom, as the semi careened into the bus stop and climbed the station's escalator and north stairwell.

The driver was able to walk away from the wreckage and was taken to Stroger Hospital. A blood test showed no signs of alcohol, said Stroger spokesman Sean Howard.

Mayor Daley on Saturday called the accident "a terrible tragedy in Chinatown. We pray for those that are recovering."

The already-busy corner was even busier Saturday, as passers-by gawked at the accident scene. The north entrance of the station was boarded up, but the south entrance reopened.

CTA President Ron Huberman said damage to the stairwell and escalator is in the "millions" of dollars and that the CTA will re-evaluate the placement of the entrance.

Wells was driving for Whiteline Express, a Plymouth, Mich.-based company, which declined comment.

Contributing: Dave Newbart and Monifa Thomas