At least 3 killed, more injured as Amtrak train derails in Montana
At least three people were killed and more injured Saturday when an Amtrak train derailed in an area of north-central Montana.
The Empire Builder train derailed at around 4 p.m. near the town of Joplin, an Amtrak spokesman said in a statement. The Empire Builder runs between Chicago and Seattle.
Joplin, a town of about 200, is about 150 miles north of Helena and about 30 miles from the border with Canada.
The train, which originated in Chicago, had approximately 146 passengers and 16 crew members onboard when the derailment took place, Amtrak said in a statement.
“The train consisted of two locomotives and 10 cars, with seven of those cars derailing,” Amtrak’s statement said.
Photos taken by passengers and eyewitnesses show several train cars on their sides. Passengers who escaped unharmed could be seen at the side of the tracks, some with luggage near them.
Witness Jeremiah Johnson told KPAX-TV some had to be cut free.
“We had to lift a few people out with lots of volunteers and then cut some out,” Johnson told the outlet. “There was one lady in the back whose legs were trapped and was unable to be removed without using a saw” to cut away seats.
Photos from the scene showed sunny skies at the time of the crash.
The railroad added that it is cooperating with local officials to transport injured passengers to receive the proper medical attention.
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators.
“The NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Saturday’s derailment of Amtrak’s Empire Builder train near Joplin, Montana,” the agency tweeted. “Team will be based in Great Falls, Montana.”
Amtrak’s website says the train offers passengers a chance to “experience the rugged splendor of the American West.”
With News Wire Services
