Amtrak passengers recall terrifying moments after the train derailed
Southwest Chief Train 4 originated in Los Angeles and was en route to Chicago
Southwest Chief Train 4 originated in Los Angeles and was en route to Chicago
Southwest Chief Train 4 originated in Los Angeles and was en route to Chicago
Some of the passengers on the derailed Amtrak train are talking about the terror they felt when the train went off the tracks near Mendon.
"It was very overwhelming," said Jason Drinkard, a passenger who was traveling to Chicago when the train derailed.
"You would never think your train would derail," said Antwoine Matton, passenger.
Many passengers said they are lucky to be alive. At least three people died, including two on the train and one person in the dump truck, authorities said.
"It was something that you never think is going to happen, but when it does happen, it's far worse than anything you could have imagined," Drinkard said.
High school teacher Jason Drinkard was traveling with his wife and six students for a Future Business Leaders of America conference in Chicago when he felt the crash.
"Just the carnage, watch all these people who can't walk, or … and it wasn't just the passengers, even the employees," Drinkard said.
Matton said he was on his way to a wedding and had only been on the train for an hour and 30 minutes when it went off the tracks.
"I see people grieving right now so I'm like, this is crazy. Me and my friend walked out just fine," Matton said.
Along with the injured, both passengers were taken to Northwestern school district where volunteers have been helping to get people things they need.
"The fact to see so many people come here, too, to help out to give food and water, that's just amazing to me," Matton said.
Some of the passengers on the train were from as far away as New Mexico and California. Some had been on the train for a day or two. Amtrak's Southwest Chief Train 4 originated in Los Angeles and was en route to Chicago when the crash happened.