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Train Derailment in Jackson County Cost More Than $2.3 Million In Damages

Posted: 4:26 AM May 2, 2012
Reporter: Caroline Vandergriff

Amtrak Train Derailment Cost

According to new reports, the Chicago-bound Amtrak train that derailed three months ago in Jackson County caused just over $2.3 million in damage to train equipment and tracks.

Both Amtrak and Norfolk Southern submitted reports to the Federal Railroad Administration, as required by federal law.

The Chicago-bound amtrak train derailed February 1st, when it crashed into a lowboy semi trailer stuck on the tracks at the Portage Road crossing in Leoni Township.

The Amtrak report estimates the train was going at about 60 miles per hour when it hit the truck.

The truck's driver was later cited for attempting to drive through a railroad crossing without having enough clearance.

The report also lists injuries to 16 people from the crash - four railroad employees, eleven passengers, and the driver of the semi-trailer. All of the injuries were minor.

The Amtrak report totals the cost of damage to equipment at $2,281,721. Norfolk Southern's report lists damage to the track or structure damage at $37,000. The reports don't break down the costs into any more detail.