Derailed train in Montana | Photo: EFE
The Amtrak Empire Builder train derailed in Montana, killing at least three people and injuring 50 near Joplin, a city of fewer than 200 people just a few miles from the Canadian border.
The context: The westbound train with 141 passengers and 16 crew members derailed Saturday afternoon. The tragedy occurred as Amtrak closed its Rail Safety Week, which is held annually across the country.
- Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said eight of the train’s 10 cars ran off the tracks when the vehicle came to a stop.
- About 60 passengers from the derailed train were taken to a local school so they could wash up, and receive food and water.
What do they say? “We are deeply saddened to learn that local authorities now confirm that three people have lost their lives as a result of this accident,” Abrams said in a statement.
- “We have a team on the ground to fully investigate the cause of the derailment,” added the spokesman for the railway company.
- Amanda Frickel, coordinator of disaster and emergency services for Hill County, Montana, told the New York Times that “well over” 50 people had been injured.
- “All the surrounding counties help in the rescue efforts,” Toole County Sheriff Donna Whitt told the Times.
Main source of the news: USA Today
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