Chicago Bound Amtrak Train Derails in Michigan

A Chicago bound Amtrak train derailed in southern Michigan after crashing into a highway crossing. According to Amtrak, there were no reports of life-threatening injuries, but the truck driver was taken to the hospital. The derailment happened just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The engine tipped over and was resting on its side and the first two cars of the train were knocked off the rails.

The Amtrak train, which had two locomotives and six cars, was carrying 71 passengers and five crew members. Passenger Erik Swanson told the Chicago Tribune that he was sleeping when the collision knocked his seat loose. He heard a lot of grinding, iron on iron.

Amtrak said it was suspending service across central Michigan over the next several hours, but would be providing alternate transportation for the people affected.