Amtrak Train Derails Between Chicago And Pontiac, Michigan

An Amtrak train derailed on its way from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan on Sunday, with no life-threatening injuries reported, according to the transit company.

A press release by Amtrak stated that the train derailed about two miles east of Niles, Michigan around 9:10 pm local time, reports The Chicago-Sun Times.

There were about 174 passengers and four crew members on board the derailed train and about 12 people were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. All passengers and crew were evacuated from the train and transported from the scene.

The San Francisco Chronicle notes that Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari stated that Amtrak train 350, the Wolverine service, lost “contact with the track,” but that “the train remained uprights and in line.”

The cause of the derailment, which occurred just 80 miles north of the Indiana state line, is still under investigation. Miriam Baker of New Lenox, Illinois stated that the train had just left Niles when the conductor announced over the intercom that they would be passing a train also headed toward Chicago, notes The Chicago Tribune. Baker recalled:

“Then the train started to sway and then things started flying. This was my first train ride and it started out good. It was a very nice ride with very pretty colors. Then all hell broke loose.”

Baker was in the second car behind the engine and suffered from an injured elbow, but was not otherwise hurt.

Because of the train derailment, Amtrak service in West Michigan was disrupted. Spokesman Magliari added that passengers who have paid, but chose not to travel on Amtrak following the incident, will receive either a refund or a voucher for future travel.