The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the final report on the June 27, 2022 train collision near Mendon involving an Amtrak train and a dump truck that killed the truck driver and three passengers while 146 passengers and crew members were transported to local hospitals.

The report states the average slope 30 feet from the crossing was measured to be 10.8 percent, which is 13 times the maximum slope recommended by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the steepness of the grade made accelerating through the crossing difficult if the truck came to a complete stop as required by state law. The 45 degree angle of the intersection between the rail line and road made approaching trains harder for drivers to see. AAHSTO standards recommend intersections as close to 90 degrees as possible and no less than 75 degrees. The NTSB also found that three trees west of the crossing and south of the tracks obstructed views of eastbound trains for a driver near the crossing.

The NTSB determined the probable cause of the collision was the truck driver proceeding for through the crossing without stopping despite the presence of a stop sign and approaching train. The NTSB also stated the grade crossing design reduced the drivers’ ability to see the approaching train and made stopping difficult.

After the collision, Chariton County closed the crossing. As of July 2023, the Missouri State budget has included $50 million for improving grade crossing safety and the Missouri Department of Transportation plans to use a portion of the funds to address passive grade crossings.