The Amtrak Southwest Chief, which runs from Los Angeles to Chicago, derailed overnight in Kansas with 140 passengers aboard. There were no fatalities, and local news site ksn.com reported about two dozen injuries, none critical.
Amtrak issued the following statement:
AMTRAK SOUTHWEST CHIEF NEAR DODGE CITY, KAN. Statement as of 3:30 a.m. CT
WASHINGTON — Just after midnight CT today, Amtrak Southwest Chief, Train 4, operating from Los Angeles to Chicago, derailed several coaches approximately 20 miles west of Dodge City, Kan., on track owned and maintained by BNSF.
There were approximately 128 passengers and 14 crew members on board the train that had two locomotives and nine cars.
Local emergency responders provided on-site response, with approximately 20 passengers transported to hospitals in Garden City and Dodge City. All other passengers were transported to the 4-H Recreation Center in Cimarron, Kan., and will be provided alternate transportation to their final destination. The Red Cross and other relief agencies are on-site providing assistance to those passengers.
Amtrak is working with BNSF to investigate the cause of the incident.
Amtrak Southwest Chief Train 3, operating from Chicago to Los Angeles will detour from Newton, Kan., to Albuquerque, N.M., for trains originating March 13 and 14. Alternate transportation is being arranged.
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