NTSB Press Conference, death toll rises in Amtrak crash and derailment
CHARITON COUNTY, Mo. – The Amtrak Southwest Chief collided with a dump truck on Monday afternoon, causing all but one car to derail southwest of Mendon, Mo. An additional person has died in a Columbia, Mo. hospital since initial information Monday evening was confirmed in a press conference.
“There are now a total of four fatalities in the crash. Three of the fatalities were passengers on the train (one died at University Hospital). Law enforcement officials working in conjunction with first responders and Amtrak officials have determined approximately 150 people were transported from the scene to 10 area hospitals for treatment of injuries that range from minor to serious in nature.” – MSHP TROOP B
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B state the investigation will be conducted by a 16-member team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Amtrak officials stated there were approximately 275 passengers and 12 crew members aboard the train. Originally that number was lower near 240.
Amtrak Police are providing site security as the scene is secured, media is being kept at a distance of about 1/2 mile.
The MSHP state the release of further information will be handled by the NTSB. The NTSB will host a press conference later today.
“On June 27 at 12:42 p.m. CT, Southwest Chief Train 4, traveling eastbound on BNSF track from Los Angeles to Chicago, 8 cars and 2 locomotives derailed after striking a truck that was obstructing a public crossing near Mendon, Missouri. There were approximately 275 passengers and 12 crew members onboard. Local authorities responded to the scene to provide assistance and care for our customers and employees. Our Incident Response Team has been activated, and we have deployed emergency personnel to the scene to help support our passengers, our employees and their families with their needs. Individuals with questions about their friends and family who were traveling aboard this train should call 800-523-9101.
Service Update: As a result of the derailment, passengers who were traveling onboard Train 4, which departed L.A. on Sunday, June 26, are being reaccommodated as quickly as possible on other trains or buses as available. Additionally, Southwest Chief Train 4, which departed L.A. (LAX) on Monday, June 27, will terminate in Kansas City, Missouri (KCY). Southwest Chief train 3, scheduled to depart Chicago (CHI) on Tuesday, June 28 will originate in KCY. Southwest Chief Train 3, scheduled to depart CHI on Wednesday, June 29, will originate in KCY. Southwest Chief Train 4, schedule to depart LAX on Wednesday, June 29 is cancelled.”
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