Yesterday, June 27th, 2022, an Amtrak passenger train hit a dump truck in Mendon, Missouri, resulting in a violent derailment. Three deaths have been confirmed, and dozens of the 240 or more people on the train were sent to local hospitals for treatments.
A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) investigation has just begun to determine the exact cause of the collision. The crash occurred where there was an uncontrolled railroad crossing with no warning lights, gates, or fences to prevent traffic from driving in front of an approaching train. However, local Missouri State Highway Patrol officials have confirmed that there was a stop sign at the crossing, which could indicate that the dump truck driver attempted to pass in front of the train when it was unsafe.
Of the three confirmed fatalities, one was the dump truck driver. It is not known if there were other people in the truck or if the two other fatalities were suffered by train passengers or staff. Although many people were able to leave the scene without medical attention, more than 50 people had to go to area hospitals for treatments for potentially serious injuries.
The Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) could allow injured train workers to seek compensation for their injuries. The cause of the train accident will need to be determined through the FRA investigation to determine how injured passengers can file civil injury claims, though.
Schlesinger Law Office is considered a preeminent train accident law firm. We are monitoring news of this recent Amtrak crash in Missouri, so check our blog frequently for important updates. If you need someone to help you after you were injured or lost a loved one in a train accident, then please know that we are accepting calls about this Amtrak accident and others. Our attorneys can fight for the rights of our clients across the United States. Contact us online to request more information about your legal options and our services.
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