141 Passengers and 16 Crew Members Onboard
All Survivors Escape from the Train
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] At least three people have died and more than 50 have been injured in a train derailment in Montana, in the northwestern United States, according to American media reports.
According to AP, AFP, and The New York Times (NYT), the Amtrak train "Empire Builder," which connects Seattle and Chicago, derailed near Joplin, Montana, around 4 p.m. local time on the 25th.
Joplin, where the accident occurred, is a small town with a population of 200, located 241 km north of Helena and 48 km from the Canadian border.
An Amtrak spokesperson stated that there were 141 passengers and 16 crew members on board the train.
The train consisted of 2 locomotives and 10 passenger cars, of which 8 cars reportedly derailed. Some passenger cars overturned after the derailment.
Amtrak expressed sadness, saying, "We are very saddened to confirm with local authorities that three people have lost their lives in this accident," and added, "There have also been reports of injuries."
The head of Montana's Disaster and Emergency Services told The New York Times, "More than 50 people have been injured," and explained, "Rescue personnel are on site, and several hospitals and medical helicopters are prepared."
He also stated that all survivors escaped from the train after the accident.
The cause of this train derailment has not yet been determined.
In this regard, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board announced plans to send a 14-member investigation team to the site to investigate the accident.
Amtrak announced that due to this derailment, some train services running between North Dakota and Montana will be canceled.
Additionally, two Empire Builder train services scheduled for the 26th have been reduced.
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