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Monday, June 27, a deadly Missouri train derailment occurred near the city of Mendon (which is approximately 100 miles northeast of Kansas City) after hitting a dump truck. The Amtrak train carrying approximately 243 passengers and 12 crew members struck the dump truck at an uncontrolled intersection.
At least 50 people were injured and three were killed (two on the train and one in the dump truck). Eight cars and two locomotives derailed.
The train struck the dump truck at an uncontrolled intersection, meaning the crossing was without warning lights, signals, or motion gates used to warn the public of an approaching train.
A team of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the incident. As of right now, the cause is not known; however, it is anticipated the investigators will ask Amtrak if the train was equipped with a forward-facing camera, an internal-facing camera, and a data recorder.
This collision was the second in two days in which an Amtrak train hit a passenger vehicle. On Sunday, June 26, 85 passengers were on board a train in rural California that hit a vehicle. Three were killed and two suffered major injuries.
“It’s [Menden crossing] an uncontrolled intersection on a gravel road,” said Missouri highway patrol spokesman Corporal Justin Dunn in a press conference following the incident. “So, no lights, no electronic control devices, things such as that.”
The need is great however.
“The 5300 miles of track in Missouri vary in its ability to meet modern demand. Corridors range from barely traveled to above capacity. This produces a need for targeted rail investments, particularly those which improve the safety of the network.”
Only crossings with extreme amounts of train and vehicle traffic or other sight distance problems will receive lights and gates because the need is great.
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An uncontrolled railroad crossing refers to railroad tracks that intersect the roadway without the use of gates or lights. The most common place you will encounter an uncontrolled railroad crossing is in a rural area.
The incident at Mendon occurred at a public crossing where a gravel road crossed the railroad tracks.
There are two types of railroad crossing warnings: active and passive. An uncontrolled railroad crossing usually has passive warnings such as a crossbuck and a round yellow sign.
The Nash & Franciskato Law Firm offers you a distinct advantage. Having worked 15 years with two national railroad companies, attorney Dean Nash brings valuable experience in handling litigation involving train accidents and the safety of railroad crossings. Couple that with the firm’s knowledge about the extensive regulations governing train operation and railroad crossing maintenance and you have the experienced legal team you need.
Having an attorney who is your advocate can offer you peace of mind during your recovery. We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
Take advantage of our experience. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a train railroad crossing accident, call the Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600.
One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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Photos are not of the actual accident.