A file photograph of passengers strolling alongside an Amtrak prepare on a monitor at Union station in Washington, DC on July 18, 2021. A separate Amtrak prepare carrying greater than 100 individuals was derailed in Montana on Sept. 26. 2021.
Daniel Slim | AFP | Getty Pictures
An Amtrak prepare carrying greater than 100 individuals derailed in Montana on Saturday, killing three individuals and injuring others, officers mentioned.
The variety of injured was not instantly recognized, mentioned the Liberty County Sheriff’s Workplace in Chester, Montana, however Chester Volunteer Fireplace Division Fireplace Chief Dave Ghekiere mentioned he believed no less than 15 individuals had been hospitalized.
The Empire Builder prepare derailed close to Joplin, Montana, about 4 p.m., Amtrak mentioned in an announcement. About 147 passengers and 16 crew members had been onboard, it mentioned.
The prepare included two locomotives and 10 vehicles, seven of which derailed, the rail service mentioned. The Empire Builder runs between Chicago and Seattle.
“Amtrak is working with the native authorities to move injured passengers, and safely evacuate all different passengers,” Amtrak mentioned.
Pictures from the scene confirmed one or two double-decker vehicles on their sides. The trigger was beneath investigation by the Nationwide Transportation Security Board.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, tweeted, “My ideas are with all of the passengers, crew, and first responders on the scene.”
Amtrak mentioned the derailment impacted Empire Builder service Saturday night time and Sunday, with the westbound prepare 7 terminating in Minneapolis and the eastbound prepare 8 originating in Minneapolis as an alternative of in Chicago.
Saturday trains touring in Montana, between Minot and Shelby, had been canceled.
