Amtrak train derailment in Montana kills three people, cause under investigation
JOPLIN, Mont. — Three people died and others were injured when an Amtrak train derailed near Joplin, Montana, and the cause is being investigated.
According to public relations manager for Amtrak Jason Abrams, the Empire Builder train 7/27 derailed seven of the ten cars at around 4 p.m. in Montana. There were around 147 passengers and 13 crew members onboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team to investigate what caused the derailment.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office said it is not known how many people were injured. People were taken to Chester High School’s gym and the injured to Liberty Medical Center.
As of Sunday, five people are still in the hospital at Benefis Health System in Great Falls. In a press conference, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office said most of the injured have been treated and released.
Abrams said Amtrak has been working with local authorities to transport injured passengers, and safely evacuate all other passengers.
Reports and pictures from passengers show cars tipped over off the tracks.
The Empire Builder line runs between Seattle and Chicago with a stop in Spokane.
The sheriff’s office said the train is inoperable and will not be heading to Spokane anytime soon. However, all cars that were derailed are up.
If you’re looking for someone on the train you can call 800-523-9101.
This is a developing story.
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