At least three passengers were killed and many others were injured when an Amtrak train derailed in Montana, according to a news release. On Saturday around 16:00 local time, the Empire Builder 7/27 train, traveling westbound from Chicago to Seattle/Portland, derailed on the tracks near Joplin, Montana.
At least 3 dead, dozens injured after Amtrak train derails in Montana
According to the rail service, there were approximately 141 passengers and 16 crew members aboard the train, which consisted of two locomotives and ten cars. Eight of those cars ended up derailing.
In its statement, Amtrak confirmed the deaths of the three people according to local authorities, while reporting injuries sustained by passengers and crew members.
Amtrak did not immediately release the number of injured, although Amanda Frickel, Hill County emergency services and disaster coordinator, told The New York Times that “well over” 50 people had been injured.
Speaking to CNN, passenger Megan Vandervest said she was napping in a sleeping car on the train when the incident forced her awake.
Another passenger, Carrie Schoeffling, detailed to CBS News that she was traveling in the fourth car of the train when the derailment occurred, although her car did not overturn.
The passenger told the news outlet that she heard a thud before her car began “tilting violently from side to side” and eventually derailed.
According to CBS News, many of the passengers who were injured in the accident were transported to nearby Chester High School in Chester, Montana, for evaluation and assistance.
Following the incident, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte asked his followers in a tweet to “join me in praying for all involved and first responders on the ground.”
