Amtrak train hits tree along Old Highway 100 near Washington, Missouri

Kevin S. Held and Jeff Bernthal

3 hours ago

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. – An Amtrak train struck a tree Monday afternoon while traveling just outside Washington, Missouri.

The incident happened near Ming Drive, off Old Route 100, south of the Missouri River. Train 319 struck the tree around 4:55 p.m., according to Marc Magliari, Amtrak's government affairs and corporate communications spokesman.

According to Mr. Magliari, the rear axle of the locomotive lost contact with the rails. Train 319 consists of seven cars.

No injuries were reported among the 124 passengers and five crew members, Magliari said.

Abe Cook, director of the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, was at a nearby command post where communications between agencies were coordinated. He said the train cars remained upright, but it was difficult to get to the scene.

“The train is located on the tracks, behind a cliff, which makes it very difficult to access,” Cook said.

All-terrain vehicles were used to assist first responders in reaching the scene. They were able to quickly determine that there were no immediate signs of injuries.

“It looks like right now (Amtrak) is going to bring in passenger cars to transfer the people who are in those passenger cars,” said Deputy Chief Mark Skornia of the Washington Fire Department.

Power has finally been restored to the train. In the meantime, Amtrak is arranging for passengers to be transported to their final destinations.

Train 319, which runs daily between Chicago and Kansas City via St. Louis, uses a route owned, maintained and controlled by the Union Pacific Railroad.

Ming Drive is located about five miles east of Washington.