Fire hits Chicago underground rail line

A section of Chicago’s transit system was shut down after a derailment and fire forced commuters to evacuate a smoke-filled subway line.

Terrorism was not suspected, officials said today.

Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said at least 120 passengers were taken to hospitals, primarily for smoke inhalation.

The smoke may have been caused by a brake fire or some other small blaze, Langford said. He said there was no indication of an explosion.

Service was affected on a line that connects to O’Hare International Airport, said Chicago Transit Authority spokeswoman Ibis Antongiorgi.

Emergency crews were assisting commuters and trying to determine the cause of the disruption.