Update: Amtrak's Empire Builder Derails in Montana

Sunday, September 26th, 2021 -- 8:05 AM

Updated to include Amtrak statement.

(AP & Amtrak) — At least three people were killed Saturday afternoon when an Amtrak train that runs between Seattle and Chicago derailed in north-central Montana, an official with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office said.

A dispatcher for the sheriff's department told The Associated Press that three people died in the derailment.

The Empire Builder derailed at approximately 4 p.m. local time Saturday. The train was traveling westbound from Chicago to Seattle/Portland and derailed operating on BNSF tracks near Joplin, Montana. There were approximately 141 passengers and 16 crew members onboard. The train consisted of two locomotives and 10 cars, with eight of those cars derailing.

The Empire Builder is the Amtrak train that passes through Southern Wisconsin and makes stops in Tomah and La Crosse.

In a statement released this morning Amtrak stated "We are deeply saddened to learn local authorities are now confirming that three people have lost their lives as a result of this accident. Amtrak is working with the local authorities to transport those who were injured to medical care, and to safely evacuate everyone else at the scene. Our Incident Response Team has been initiated, and we are sending emergency personnel and Amtrak leadership to the scene to help support our passengers, our employees and their families with their needs. We have a team on the ground to fully support the NTSB as they investigate the cause of the derailment."

As a result of the derailment, Empire Builder trains 7/27 and 8/28 originating on Saturday, Sept. 25, are cancelled between Minot, N.D. (MOT) and Shelby, Mont. (SBY). Additionally, on Sunday, Sept. 26, westbound Empire Builder train 7 will terminate in Minneapolis (MSP) and eastbound Empire Builder train 8 will originate in Minneapolis (MSP). No substitute transportation is available.

Amtrak customers can contact us at 800-872-7245 to obtain additional information about the status of services.

Amtrak will provide additional details as they are available.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.