$11 million settlements in Chicago train deaths

[November 13, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A judge in Chicago says the Metra transit system must pay $11 million to settle two wrongful death lawsuits stemming from a deadly 2005 train derailment.

College student Jane Cuthbert and research technician Allison Walsh were killed in September 2005. A commuter train from Joliet to Chicago derailed while changing tracks. More than 80 others were injured.

Federal officials have said the train was traveling about 70 mph. The train's engineer was fired in 2006.

On Wednesday, Cook County Judge Thomas Hogan approved the settlement.

Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet had no comment.

[Associated Press]

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