The Missouri State Highway Patrol updated information on the fatal crash involving an Amtrak train and truck in Chariton County on Monday, June 27.
At approximately 12:43 p.m., the Chariton County 911 Center received a 911 call of a vehicle struck by a train on Porche Prairie Avenue southwest of Mendon.
At approximately 1:02 p.m., first responders began to arrive on scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates an Amtrak passenger train traveling to Chicago struck a dump truck at the railroad crossing on Porche Prairie Avenue. The train had approximately eight cars, including a baggage car. Seven cars derailed.
The highway patrol confirms three fatalities- two on the train and one in the dump truck.
The train had approximately 207 passengers and crew members. All injured and uninjured occupants of the train were transported from the scene as of about 6:15 p.m.
Agencies involved in aiding included the Chariton, Linn, Macon and Randolph County Sheriff’s Offices, Brookfield and Macon Police Departments, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Park Rangers, Missouri State Fire Marshals and the State Emergency Management Agency. Ambulances from Chariton, Linn, Randolph, Livingston, Macon, Howard, Carroll and Caldwell Counties, as well as medical helicopters from multiple service providers responded to the scene. Each agency transported multiple victims to area hospitals.
Officials from Amtrak responded to the scene and the NTSB has been advised.
This investigation is in its preliminary stages and as more information becomes available it will be provided.
According to a spokesperson at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, as of 4:48 p.m., it had received six patients.
The spokesperson added, “We are prepared for additional nonlife-threatening injuries.”
Condition details are not available at this time; however, the hospital has established a process for discharging patients, and Saline County Emergency Management Director Tony Day is coordinating with the Marshall Ministerial Alliance to establish temporary housing for any individuals from the derailment who are in need.
As of 5:30 p.m., Fitzgibbon Hospital was informed that all injured patients were transported to hospitals in the region. The hospital returned to normal operations at that time.
Individuals with questions about their friends and family who were traveling aboard this train should call 1 (800) 523-9101.
KMMO will update this story as more information becomes available.
CLICK HERE https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/1333/2022/06/27210825/Mendon-AMTRAK-Derailment-Video.mov to view video from Mendon AMTRAK derailment.
Photos and video courtesy Rob Nightingale