Amtrak train derailment…
On Wednesday, June 29th, Missouri federal investigators released a statement that four people tragically lost their lives and many were severely injured due to an Amtrak train derailment.
On Monday, June 27th, an Amtrak train departed from Los Angeles on its way to Chicago as per routine when during the journey it came into collision with a dump truck at a public crossing at 12:42 pm.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the train had no mechanical problems prior to its scheduled journey and it was moving slower than the average speed. The NTSB added that “We tested the brakes and there are no issues with the brakes.”
The train collided with a dump truck that was carrying out a service for the MS Contracting LLC, immediately killing the driver, Billy Barton II, 54. As the train car overturned, it took 2 lives of sisters Kim Holsapple, 56, and Rochelle Cook, 58, who were heading to Chicago for a girls getaway.
Robert Nightingale, who was half asleep in his sleeper car, said, “It all happened like slow motion. It started to rock and, and rock, and then flicker, and then it just all of a sudden — all this dust was through my window.”
It was later reported that another passenger Binh Pham, 82, passed away at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo.
Many people were left severely injured including 6 students and their teachers that were headed to Chicago to participate in the Future Business Leaders of America’s three-day conference.
More Insights on Amtrak train derailment…
Henry Simmons, a partner of the FBLA, released a statement on Wednesday on behalf of the teachers and students saying, “They were on the side of the car that fell on the ground and was being dragged — as you could imagine, going that speed, everybody on the other side of the train fell on top of them.”
The cause of this tragic incident is still unknown. Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board Jennifer Homendy commented that the slope could have contributed to this incident because it is very steep for the truck driver.
Investigators intend on bringing a laser scanning vehicle to the scene to regenerate the incident, with hopes that this will provide a clear understanding of what happened. Homendy added that “The crossing has warning signs but no lights or bars.”
Currently, camera footage from the front-facing camera of the Amtrak train is being inspected to see if the wheels of the train were aligned on the rail prior to the incident.
The children of the deceased sisters created a GoFundMe page seeking assistance from the public to cover the funeral expenses of their mothers. They said that their parents’ lives ended too soon and they appreciate all the prayers and support.
