Three people were killed and at least 50 were injured Monday when an Amtrak train struck a dump truck and derailed in Chariton County, Missouri.
Two people on the train died and another died in the truck, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesperson Justin Dunn. The Southwest Chief Train 4 crashed around 12:45 p.m local time in the rural area of Mendon, Missouri, which is located about 100 miles east of Kansas City.
There were about 243 passengers along with 12 crew members on board the full train operating between Los Angeles and Chicago. Eight train cars and two locomotives derailed, Amtrak said in a press release.
Rescue helicopters were reportedly deployed to help the injured.
Robert Nightingale, of Taos, New Mexico, told CNN that "it all happened like slow motion. It started to rock and, and rock, and then flicker, and then it just all of a sudden -- all this dust was through my window."
A spokesperson for Missouri State Highway Patrol said authorities are still trying to gather information about the deaths and injuries.
Amtrak said that emergency personnel were on the scene to help passengers, employees and their families. Also that any “individuals with questions about their friends and family who were traveling aboard this train should call 800-523-9101."
Gov. Mike Parson described the accident as "a bad scene."
“We are saddened to hear of the Amtrak train derailment in Chariton County this afternoon ... We ask Missourians to join us in praying for all those impacted,” Parson posted on Twitter.
The crash in Missouri comes after a fatal train crash Sunday in Brentwood, California, in which three people died and two were injured. The Brentwood crash involved a vehicle that obstructed rail tracks.
Another video from the scene of the #Amtrak derailment. Amtrak says, "...several cars derailed on train 4 traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago after striking a dump truck at a public crossing in Mendon, Missouri at 1:42 pm."
Video credit: Rob Nightingale#KAKEnews pic.twitter.com/hlub8FC1vq
— KAKE News (@KAKEnews)
Amtrak is aware of the incident with Train 4 and is working with local authorities.Please continue to check back for updates.We're currently experiencing longer than usual hold times, but if you need immediate assistance, please call or text 1-800-USA-RAIL https://t.co/YUBDqL7Zn2
— Amtrak Alerts (@AmtrakAlerts)
