Amtrak confirms 3 killed and several injured in Amtrak train derailment in Montana

At least three people died on Saturday when an Amtrak train that runs between Seattle and Chicago derailed in north-central Montana.

Several people were injured, Amtrak said in a statement.

The Empire Builder train derailed at about 4 pm near Joplin, about 48 kilometers from the border with Canada.

“We are deeply saddened to learn local authorities are now confirming that three people have lost their lives as a result of this accident,” Amtrak said in a statement.

“There are also reported injuries among the passengers and crew members traveling on the train. Amtrak is working with the local authorities to transport those who were injured to medical care, and to safely evacuate everyone else at the scene, “ said in the statement.

Amtrak has detailed the incident as below:

At approximately 4 p.m. MT, Empire Builder train 7/27, traveling westbound from Chicago to Seattle/Portland, derailed operating on BNSF tracks near Joplin, Mont. There were approximately 141 passengers and 16 crew members onboard. The train consisted of two locomotives and 10 cars, with eight of those cars derailing.

As a result of the derailment, Empire Builder trains 7/27 and 8/28 originating on Saturday, Sept. 25, are canceled between Minot, N.D. (MOT) and Shelby, Mont. (SBY). Additionally, on Sunday, Sept. 26, westbound Empire Builder train 7 will terminate in Minneapolis (MSP) and eastbound Empire Builder train 8 will originate in Minneapolis (MSP). No substitute transportation is available.

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