MENDON, Mo. — Three people are dead after Amtrak’s Southwest Chief hit a dump truck and derailed Monday afternoon, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
NBC News reports two people from the train and one person in the truck were killed, according to Highway Patrol Corporal Justin Dunn. A significant number of others were injured. Dunn said he did not have a number, but noted several people were taken to area hospitals. CNN is reporting at least 50 people are injured. Medical helicopters and ambulance services from several counties responded.
The accident occurred about 12:45 p.m., and involved the eastbound Chief, which was carrying 243 passengers and 12 crew members. Both locomotives and seven of the eight cars derailed in the accident at what Dunn described as “an uncontrolled crossing,” meaning one without lights or crossing gates. Photographs show cars on their sides with people escaping by climbing through the side windows.
Mendon, population 160, is about 85 miles northeast of Kansas City and 12 miles southwest of Marceline, Mo.
The National Transportation Safety Board said in a Twitter post that it would send a 14-member investigative team to the site, with that group expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Amtrak has activated a phone line for friends and family members to check on those board the train. That number is 1-800-523-9101. The passenger railroad has also sent emergency workers to provide support for passengers and crew members.
— Updated at 6:15 p.m. CDT with latest information. This is a developing story. Watch Trains News Wire for additional updates.
