At least 20 people were sent to hospitals early Monday after an Amtrak train bound for Chicago from Los Angeles derailed in rural Kansas, the rail line said.
Five of the train’s nine passenger cars came off the tracks in Grey County, about 20 miles west of Dodge City, shortly after midnight.
“Reports are that there are no life-threatening injuries,” Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz said. “Local emergency responders provided on-site response, with approximately 11 passengers transported to Western Plains Hospital in Dodge City.” Later, the train company’s blog said some of the injured had been taken to a hospital in Garden City.
Schulz didn’t describe the nature of the injuries.
The remaining 108 passengers and 14 crew members were taken to a local 4-H recreation center, where the Red Cross and other relief agencies provided assistance. Amtrak says it’s working to find them alternate transportation to their destinations.
It’s also working with BNSF, the operator of the tracks where the derailment took place, in hopes of finding out what caused the accident, the rail line said.
Those with friends and family on the train can call 800-523-9101 for information, Amtrak said.
